This is a tactical principle whereby actions are carried out to help the ball possessor to continue an offensive move. In order for this to happen, some of the teammates must collaborate, providing support and carrying out unmarked moves.
This collaboration must be effective and constant, with the mobility of the players who are not in possession of the ball being essential at all times. Offensive support is used when an attacking play is being carried out.
The player who is in possession of the ball will look for teammates who are unmarked, in order to make the appropriate passes, which are capable of getting past the opposing team’s defence and creating a goal scoring opportunity.
Purpose of offensive aids
One of the objectives to be achieved through offensive support is that the ball possessor has constant access to help and multiple solutions from his teammates. In addition, this also avoids individual play and encourages combination and collective play.
Thanks to offensive support, the player in possession of the ball will be able to give free rein to his creativity by having more alternatives at his disposal, and he will even be able to maintain possession and control of the game for longer periods of time.
With these offensive actions it is possible to overcome the opposing team’s defence. They also allow the ball possessor more time to think about the play he wants to carry out. In this way he can play calmly and without rushing.
Ways of counteracting offensive aids
- Some of the opposing team’s players will have to constantly put pressure on the player in possession of the ball, with the sole objective of cutting off the offensive play. This pressure can be a very difficult task, which is also very physically demanding.
- Another way of counteracting offensive support is through defensive numerical superiority. The defenders will also have to know which gaps to occupy at any given moment in the field of play in order to prevent a dangerous pass from being made.
- Opponents must also anticipate moves, even if this means taking a lot of risks. They can also carry out intensive retreats, dropping back to the middle of the field and thus bringing the lines closer together. Retreats can also be used to cause offside. Permanent marking of the player in possession of the ball must not be missing.