Force them towards the sideline or in the middle on the ride?
We can all agree that the riding team should work together to funnel the clearing player in a specific direction. Personally, I don’t see one method as inherently right or wrong; what matters most is that the riding team is cohesive and aligned with the same strategy.
Here are some pros and cons of the two main approaches:
1) Forcing Towards the Middle:
Advantages:
• Support in the Middle: There’s typically more defensive support available in the middle, allowing for easier double-teaming and increased pressure on the ball carrier.
• Increased Distance: The clearing player must cover more ground, which can tire them out and increase the likelihood of a turnover.
• Fast Break Opportunities: A turnover in the middle of the field can quickly turn into a fast break, giving your team a prime opportunity to counterattack.
Disadvantages:
• More Passing Options: Forcing towards the middle provides the clearing team with more passing lanes, making it easier for them to find open teammates and advance the ball.
• Space for Skilled Players: A fast, talented player has more room to maneuver and potentially exploit gaps in your defense.
• Risk of Opponent’s Fast Break: If the clearing team executes a clean clear, they are well-positioned for a fast break of their own.
2) Forcing Towards the Sideline:
Advantages:
• Sideline as an Extra Defender: The sideline effectively acts as a boundary defender, limiting the clearing player’s options and making it easier to trap them.
• Trapping Opportunities: It’s easier to corner a fast player between the riding attack and a midfielder positioned at the midfield line, forcing them towards the boundary and limiting their movement.
• Challenging Passes: The pass becomes longer and more difficult, requiring greater discipline and precision from the clearing team.
Disadvantages:
• Reduced Fast Break Chances: If a turnover happens near the sideline, the ball often goes out of bounds, allowing the opposing team time to reset, which reduces the chances for a quick counterattack.
• Risk of Field Reversal: With the riding team shifted to one side, a well-coached clearing team can exploit this by reversing the field, taking advantage of the open space on the opposite side.
Ultimately, the key is for the riding team to execute as a unit, regardless of the strategy. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your team’s strengths, the opponent’s abilities, and the specific game situation.
