How to defend like England: space in behind
Want to stop the opposition from taking advantage of the area behind your defenders? This article is part of a series on the defensive tactics of our national teams. This time, we explain how their approach can help you prepare your players to defend the space ‘in behind’.
Picture the scene. You’re in the opponent’s half when you lose possession. They start a counterattack. As the opposition races forward, one of your defenders decides to press them.
You know this might delay the attack. But it will also leave space behind your defender. Plenty of room for the opposition to exploit.
What do you do?
This situation isn’t uncommon. Closing down opponents with urgency is on the rise, as more teams (including the England teams) adopt an aggressive pressing style.
But here’s the problem – when pressing, space is created ‘in behind’ the defence. That’s space that the opposition can use to their advantage.
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