Losing the ball ⚽and allowing the other team to gain possession is very frustrating. Whether it is you who lost the ball or your teammate, losing the ball can break down a strong attack.
If you lose the ball, you need to win it back. This is an important lesson that soccer players need to understand as they get older. If you give the ball away, you need to work hard 💪for your team to regain possession.
But when you or a teammate loses possession of the ball, what do you need to do first when switching from attacking to defending? 🤷♀️
Blayze professional soccer coach Mike Semenza brings you this week’s topic. He offers insights on what you should do both physically and mentally to help your team regain possession.
First, if you are the player that loses the ball you need to immediately switch back to defending. Do not waste time being upset that you lost the ball. Every second you spend upset is another second the opponent has to move the ball toward the goal.🥅
If you are the closest to the ball, you need to work hard to win the ball back immediately for your team. If you are unable to win the ball, then you need to add defensive pressure.💪
Make sure you are marking the attacking player you are nearest to. Watch the play and try to anticipate what is about to happen.
Try to intercept the ball ⚽so your team can regain possession and set up an attack. Intercepting allows for more control within your team than a tackle. A tackle could still potentially allow the opposing team to maintain possession.
Be aggressive! Force an error if need be. Do whatever you need to do, within reason, to help your team get possession.
Do you have a question that you want answered? Reply to this email with your question and you might see it answered in our next newsletter!
Article of the week: How to Maintain Possession and Out Play Your Opponent – Switching the Point of Attack
Switching, or changing, the point of attack can help your team maintain possession, gain control of the game, and move into a goal-scoring opportunity.
Video of the Week: Staying Committed to the Play
Watch this special Blayze Skills in 60 on how to stay committed to the play.
