Cover

A defender in any game has to cover a lot of ground without actually coming into contact with the ball.
This is because he spends quite a bit of time in a match covering defenders and midfielders from his own team as he endeavours to spot any threat from the opposition.

In DIAGRAM 1 the attacking team - the A's - are raiding down the right flank....A7 in possession, A8, A9, and A10 are ready to support.


Diagram One:



D3 has to confront A7 so D6 starts to move into a more defensive position behind D3 should A7 sprint past him.

Should this happen then D5 would have to consider his position-also being aware of A8 and A9's positions in attack.

So D2 may have to cover D5 in the central area even if it means leaving A10 on the left side of the attack.....he is the farthest attacking player from the ball.

Covering the real danger is the priority, although should the ball find its way to A10, then as it traverses across, D2 would move with it and be ready to take on A10.

It is about spotting the main threat, the timing of the runs (of both teams) and the type of cover needed.

Defenders will need to balance each other across the field with the emphasis always on defending the main danger to the goal.

Good cover is not only about marking attackers....it is about marking attackers and space!


Diagram Two:



In DIAGRAM 2, A7 is in possession, D3 confronts him.

D6 has to cover D3 and at the same time be aware of the threat of A8.

D5 is also ready to cover, as is D2- but as shown in the diagram the four defenders are almost in a diagonal line being aware of opponents and marking the space!

The distance from the opponent increases the further they are from the ball.