In this video from a Glazier Soccer Clinic Coach Philip Salyer shares his thoughts on the forwards and their role in team defending.
Overview:
Coach Salyer begins his series talking about the history of the “lazy forward”. He explains that some forwards are good enough to be lazy but at this level those players are extremely rare. So, everyone on the team must defend in order for the team to be successful. He goes on to say that mentality is key in a forward because most forwards do not think they have to defend. However, a forward is the first line of defense in soccer and is arguable the most important. If he does not defend the midfielders become the first- and at that point you have already lost. Which brings up his next point- midfielder’s must communicate. He also incorporates the 5 components in defense: pressure, cover, balance, compactness, and concentration. Forwards should be defending as much or more than the defenders on the field and should always be mindful of these components. Forwards should maintain goal side defense and pressure the ball on a sprint while cutting passing lanes. In his later videos he discusses the line of confrontations and answers questions from other coaches.
For information about how to gain access to Coach Salyer’s entire presentation, as well as hundreds of other presentations from some of the top soccer coaches from around the county, click the link Glazier Clinics Soccer Vault
The video below has sound, so please make sure your volume is turned up.