Play the Way Your Facing

this is a term we use basically saying don’t try and turn with the ball if you are not sure you can turn and instead play the ball to a play that is in front of you who in most cases would be facing the correct way, which is facing toward the goal.

The first thing to think about it the act of turning with the ball. Imagine that you are doing it now. Can you really see who is coming from behind you to steal the ball? Did you properly check you shoulder to see where the defenders are behind you if any.? Most likely you didn’t check you shoulder to scan the field and you turn right into a on coming defender. Now lets image we are defending someone turning with the ball towards you. Can you easily imagine yourself pouncing on the ball and taking it away form the player or at least stopping the player from doing what they want to with the ball. Let’s go over the reasons why turning with the ball is difficult, easy to defend, and not necisarry if your team is working together and on the same page.

Graphic 1 show the benefit of playing the way you are facing to keep possession of the ball. Player 1 starts with the ball and without trying to turn passes backward to player two, who is facing the goal and can see the destination in front of them. Player three is on the diagonal to receive the pass and finish the play passing around the defenders.

Graphic 2 shows how turning with the ball can be difficult and should be done when the player on the ball knows they can turn without a defender being right on them. Ways to know if you can turn would number one to check your shoulder or scanning the field to identify what is happening in the space around you. The blue player turns a into two red defenders rather than playing the way they are facing and beginning the passing play to get out of trouble.

• When

  While in possession of the ball.

• Why

  To keep possession of the ball to help break lines. Facing the goal is the ideal position to be in while possessing the ball.

• Where

  This concept can be useful in all three thirds of the field.

• Who

  Attacking team (Team in possession of the ball).

• What

  Avoid doing the sometimes difficult action of turning with the ball and simply play the way you’re facing to find a player to pass the ball to who is facing the goal which is the ideal situation on the field.