Attacking with Width as a Team

Obviously since defenders wish to deny the opposition space and attackers wish to exploit space, then the principle of width is used. Width needs to be analyzed as being important in the defensive third of the field, midfield third and the attacking third.

Defensive Width

When the goalkeeper has received the ball it is vital that the two full backs quickly move out wide to the touchlines and up.

The center backs can go to each corner of the penalty area so that the opposition forwards cannot cover the back 4 (or back 5 if you include the goalkeeper). We should, therefore, be able to play out from the back to arrive at the halfway line uncontested.

Midfield Width

A ploy, which can be used, is to draw players on to one side of the field and then quickly move the ball to the opposite side, hoping to gain a quick numerical advantage.

Attacking Width

Good, wide players who have pace and who can dribble are invaluable to a team. A team with good players in wide positions will tactically seek to involve them in 1-1 situations, knowing that, if their player is successful, space will be available behind the fullback to exploit, and either be used to shoot for goal, or be used for a cross into the danger area. Width is also the space, which exists between defenders, and if the ball can be passed between defenders to a receiver then a dangerous situation exists for the defending team.

Players must always be aware and alert enough to use and exploit width in all the relevant thirds of the field, especially in today’s game where the players are very fit and can travel from penalty area to penalty area quickly, sealing off space in the attacking third of the field.

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