Tactics – Long Ball
The long-ball style of play, often referred to as “route one football”, usually involves the attacking team looking to exploit space behind the opposition defense by bypassing the middle third of the field with long, targeted passes aimed at their attackers.
To define a long ball: a long ball is a strong, hard, looping pass that travels a long distance when kicked up the field.
The long ball tactic, used efficiently by Wimbledon in the 1990s and well represented by English teams like Bolton and Stoke in the English Premier League today, requires athletic and well-conditioned players for best execution. Individual skill, beyond passing and trapping of the ball, is not so important.
Often used to deride ‘boring’ teams for it’s unattractive direct style, the long-ball tactic is genuinely effective especially against teams who prefer to pack their midfield with ball playing players. By deploying the long ball pass, defenders are able to turn defense into attack quickly – and avoid losing the ball by bringing it out of defense on the ground.
Coaches should be aware that the long ball tactic can be effectively deployed both as a defensive and attacking ploy.
1.Defenders can employ the long ball to move danger away from their own goal and transfer the action into the attacking third of the field.
2.Attackers can use the long ball to employ fellow attackers from deep lieing positions.
It is important to note here that a long ball does not simply constitute a “hoof” up the other side of the pitch. Young players should practice weighing and aiming their long pass for best effect.
When teaching players how to kick the long ball pass, coaches should emphasize the use of the in-step as described in our kicking the ball article. Toe-ing the ball is not effective as it is not as accurate and can result in serious foot injuries.
An effective training drill can be executed between as few as two players. Players should stand some 40 or 50 yards apart and attempt to pass the ball with the long ball pass as accurately as possible. The benefit of such an exercise is two fold: each player will improve their long ball passing skill and each player will improve their ball trapping and control skills.
For a more competitive training drill, deploy 4 players in groups of two 40 or 50 yards apart. Instruct the players to attempt to pass to their teammate on the other side of the pitch with a long ball pass. The receiving player should protect and receive the ball, fending off the other player near them. Once the ball is successfully received the player should then pass the ball to their team mate with the long ball pass and so on.
The long ball, when executed with direction and power, can be an effective way to move the ball out of the defense or to switch possession quickly in a match.
