How to play against a team with a strong centre half?

Steven PortplanOther, England

Hi Kelly,

Firstly, I think you`ve made a very good point in that you shouldn`t be looking to move too far away from your standard tactics. You know your team are comfortable playing in that style and have the most knowledge working in this way.

A really good tactic is to try and get your team to highlight the stronger opposition players as soon as possible and react accordingly. If this means you have to tell the first wave of subs who they should be looking out for who can then pass the message on to the rest of the team then do that. I`m sure you`ll find a system which works for you and your players.

Once highlighted, it depends on that players skill set. In your example, of a strong centre half, your team should look to avoid attempting to eliminate one and one and trying to crash the ball through the player, and instead should look to create 2 vs 1 against this player and pass the ball around them. Another example could be a very creative midfield player constantly dribbling past your team. In this case, I always try to get my team to double team this player, and instead of looking to actually make a tackle to gain possession, they should simply work as a two in the proper hockey position, holding the player away from the 23. You usually find the player tries to much or has to move the ball on, either way, you have reduced their impact on the game.

Let me know your thoughts on the above.

Josh