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JOIN NOWGetting free in the circle from fall defenders
Hi guys,Iâm a small/medium sized goal shooter and I struggle to get free and get the ball when defenders are taller than me. What can I do to improve?
Asked using Sportplan Mobile App
Emma Player, South Africa
TOP ANSWER
Eleanor DurrPlayer, England
Hi Emma,
I can understand your frustration but there are definitely things you can do! Firstly, do not ask for the ball overhead - it is unlikely the feeders will be able to see you if the defender is tall and they are likely to turn over the ball. Instead, hold your front space with the defender on your back. This can be difficult to maintain as naturally the defender will want to get around you, however maintain an upright position (don`t` bend over) and keep a strong body positioning. Keep moving your feet and slightly adjusting your body to keep this front space. This therefore will make it easier for the feeders to see you and where you want the ball.
NOTE: be careful not to contact the back defender e.g. pushing back on them.
Secondly, play yourself into the circle. As you are smaller than the defender it is likely you have speed on your side. Tall defenders love to stay man-to-man and simply wait for the ball to be placed overhead and pick it off. Instead, drive out of the circle to receive the ball, this will also pull your defender out. Quickly return the ball back to the same player and drive back into the circle to receive the ball back. This will mean the defender is behind you and you will be free to receive the ball. If the defender does not come out with you, simply receive the ball and upon returning to the circle body up on the defender and keep that front space as above.
A final piece of advice is to get your centre court players to play the ball around the circle edge, this will turn your defenders head and they will have to work hard to maintain a ball side position. By your C and WA swinging the ball around the circle it is likely to open up the circle for you and they can feed a quick ball in.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
ANSWERS
Eleanor DurrPlayer, England
Hi Emma,
I can understand your frustration but there are definitely things you can do! Firstly, do not ask for the ball overhead - it is unlikely the feeders will be able to see you if the defender is tall and they are likely to turn over the ball. Instead, hold your front space with the defender on your back. This can be difficult to maintain as naturally the defender will want to get around you, however maintain an upright position (don`t` bend over) and keep a strong body positioning. Keep moving your feet and slightly adjusting your body to keep this front space. This therefore will make it easier for the feeders to see you and where you want the ball.
NOTE: be careful not to contact the back defender e.g. pushing back on them.
Secondly, play yourself into the circle. As you are smaller than the defender it is likely you have speed on your side. Tall defenders love to stay man-to-man and simply wait for the ball to be placed overhead and pick it off. Instead, drive out of the circle to receive the ball, this will also pull your defender out. Quickly return the ball back to the same player and drive back into the circle to receive the ball back. This will mean the defender is behind you and you will be free to receive the ball. If the defender does not come out with you, simply receive the ball and upon returning to the circle body up on the defender and keep that front space as above.
A final piece of advice is to get your centre court players to play the ball around the circle edge, this will turn your defenders head and they will have to work hard to maintain a ball side position. By your C and WA swinging the ball around the circle it is likely to open up the circle for you and they can feed a quick ball in.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
