Long Balls versus Short Balls
Many players, and probably all travel players, are used to
practices dominated by small-sided play (i.e., 3 v 3 and 4 v 4). There are many
good reasons that small-sided games are used, including touches on the ball,
handling the ball under pressure, and making use of space. Another reason
small-sided games are often emphasized is the limited practice space available.
While small-sided games have many benefits, some coaches
never implement an equally important aspect of the game–long balls. As a result,
many players move through their soccer career with little or no exposure to the
value of or technique for hitting solid, accurate long balls. Without the
ability to strike a long ball, players are forced to take two to three passes to
change the point of attack, rather than one when a long ball is used. Changing
the point of attack consists of switching the side of the field of play; for
example, when a team is attacking down the right side of the field and seeks to
switch to attacking down the left side of the field. By taking the two to three
touches that short passes requires, a team may lose the advantage such a change
in point of attack may provide.
The long ball adds significant advantage to changing the
point of attack. If a back or midfielder does not have the ability to drive a
ball accurately, he will have to play the ball first to a player in the center,
who then plays the ball to the opposite side. Only then can the ball be played
to the attacker on the opposite side of the field. This adds two extra passes to
the attack, slowing down the process, and giving the defenders much greater time
to adjust to the new point of attack. The added pressure increases the
likelihood of a turnover.
Players should practice and get used to striking a long ball
that would go from a fullback position on one side to the midfielder on the
opposite side, or from the midfield to the opposite wing. These types of passes
can provide a great tactical advantage, and relieve defensive pressure as well.
Similarly, players should practice receiving such balls to avoid losing the
tactical advantage due to a bad trap.
