Options for Wing Play

Options for wing play  

A wing player or wingers responsibility when attacking is to draw defenders to himself. If in possession of the ball, the winger needs to engage the defense. If by engaging a defender with an individual move the winger can defeat that defender he will have succeeded in taking two defenders out of position as a second defender must come to defend him. This is one method a winger can use to break down a defense. 

The winger can also defeat multiple defenders by passing the ball. If we think in terms of the traditional cross from the flank we recognize the possibility of eliminating several defenders with one “pass”.  It is also possible to defeat many defenders at the same time by utilizing an early cross to switch fields (width)  or by playing a runner forward down the line or in behind the backs (penetration). The early cross can be particularly disruptive to a defense attempting to establish its shape around the ball in a pressing method.  

The opposite wing should remain very wide while his teammate attacks on the other wing. This will help spread the defense out making his teammates job easier. The opposite wings path to goal is through the corner of the 18 to the corner of the 6 to the post of the goal. A common mistake made by young or inexperienced wingers is to move central when the ball is on the opposite flank. Think of it these terms: the space we wish to utilize for a shot on goal is that directly in front of the goal. By moving into that space prematurely we bring defenders there with us thus cluttering or reducing the very space we want to use. 

The Early Cross 

As the wing player approaches a position on the field that extends from the top of the 18 yard area he should consider beating a defender to the inside. Traveling with the ball long the top of the 18 causes multiple defenders to move   towards the wing carrying the ball leaving the middle and opposite sides of the field open. 

If defenders do not engage the wing carrying the ball, the wing should take the shot towards the back post of the goal. If defenders do move to engage the wing carrying the ball the wing should look for a short cross to the back post of the goal.

The opposite wing should remain very wide while his teammate attacks along the top of the 18 yard box. This will help keep the defense spread out making his teammates jobs easier by creating space in front of goal. The opposite wings path to goal is through the corner of the 18 to the corner of the 6 to the post of the goal. 

The Traditional Cross 

When the wing possesses the ball below the top of the 18, a traditional cross is often the best option. The ball should be played across the 18 yard box through the area between the 6 yard line and the penalty mark (12 yard line).

If the wing is attempting to cross the ball to a teammate attacking the near post the ball should be driven below waist high. 

If the wing is attempting to cross the ball to a teammate attacking the back post the ball should be played, driven or lofted as circumstances dictate,  head high.  

The opposite wing should remain very wide while his teammate attacks along the opposite side of the 18 yard area. This will help keep the defense spread out making his teammates jobs easier by creating space in front of goal. The opposite wings path to goal is through the corner of the 18 to the corner of the 6 and then on to the post of the goal. 

The Deadliest Cross

A third option for the winger is to attack along the end line towards the goal drawing defenders and attention to himself and the ball. The winger can then execute a “bangoo” or cross from the end line cutting the ball back across the defense to the penalty mark.  This is the deadliest cross as it is nearly impossible for a goalkeeper to defend against. 

The opposite wing should remain very wide while his teammate attacks along the end line. This will help keep the defense spread out making his teammates jobs easier by creating space in front of goal. The opposite wings path to goal remains through the corner of the 18 to the corner of the 6 and then on to the post of the goal. However, he also needs to be alert to the possibility of flattening his run and bending it off towards the penalty mark to play the deadliest of crosses.