Supporting Angles
FineSoccer Kids Newsletter - Supporting Angles
Today's newsletter explains the benefits of supporting behind square or in front of square especially in the back half of the field. When a square pass (a square pass is on that goes parallel to the end lines) is made in the back half of the field it puts the team at great risk if the pass is unsuccessful.
If a defender can intercept the square pass, they will in most cases, have beaten two opponents with one touch. On the other hand, if the player is front of square (meaning they are in front of the parallel line from the player with the ball to the sideline) and the pass is intercepted, the passer is still able to recover since they are closer to the goal then the player who intercepted the pass.
If the player is behind square (meaning they are behind the parallel line from the player with the ball to the sideline) and the pass is intercepted (which is much less likely to happen) the intended receiver of the pass can still recover since they are closer to the goal then the interceptor with the ball.
Because of this, if you are the supporting player (the player off the ball) it's always best to support either in front of square or behind square, especially in the defensive half of the field.