Edition 20

Welcome to the Soccer Newsletter.  Today's topic deals  with the defensive responsibilities of the outside midfielder in a 4-4-2

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Not only is the outside midfielder responsible for the man she is marking (most likely the outside on the opposing team)but she is also responsible for providing support across the back. This means that when the ball is on the opposite side of the field with the opposing team, you as the defending outside mid must come back and toward the middle of the field.  You actually take on the role of a sweeper by giving support (both physical as well as verbal) from your deep postion.  By getting this far back and toward the middle you will also be able to see the player you are marking while being the sweeper as well.You wont have to worry about the player you are marking receiving the ball out wide with you in the middle because that would require a 60-70 yard switching ball which you will be able to close down real easily.The one negative to getting into the proper position and providing support is that you have to make a lot of long hard runs to get back that far and still be able to get into the attack, however, that is part of being an outside midfielder (and why I elected to be a keeper!)

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Have a great day.

Lawrence