FineSoccer Kids 33

Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter.  Today’s subject deals with overlapping runs.

First, if you haven’t done so yet, please check out the World Cup Pool at http://kwikgoal.com/fantasy.php.  It’s a great way to really follow the World Cup, win prizes and best of all it’s free!

An overlapping run is when a player comes from behind another player and runs past her which forces the defender to have to make a decision to stay with her original mark or to go with the runner.  See the diagram below

If Player 1 has the ball and Player 2 is overlapping, the defender has to make one of two choices.  She can stay with Player 1 at which point Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2 who is open or the Defender can go with Player 2 at which Player 1 keeps the ball and is now unmarked.  Even if Player 2 was being marked, without good communication by the two defenders, the overlapping run will frequently cause confusion in a defense.

Making an overlapping run is one of the most effective ways to upset an opponent so if you are in back of the person with the ball (or even to the side of the ball) consider making an overlapping run and you will find you will receive the ball a lot and be a more effective overall soccer player

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to kidscomments@finesoccer.com or post them to the NEW FineSoccer Forum at http://finesoccer.net

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Have a great day!

Lawrence