2.06 INDIVIDUAL ATTACK
(e) FOUR AGAINST TWO
Attacking pattern with four attackers and two defenders
There are two supporting players by the post, who combine with the two main attackers whose job is to score goals. Both of these attackers have a defender.
The four attackers attack “freely” with all variations permissible. Only the attackers with defenders may shoot. Thus they have to create chances. Change functions periodically.
The crucial difference with the previous exercise is that there are now two main attackers instead of one. The timing of the correct moment for the attacking movement is now somewhat more difficult. The attacker must first see if the other players are expecting him/her to make an attacking action, and then execute this action at precisely the moment when his/her personal opponent will be surprised. It is of little value if an attacker breaks through just as the ball is being passed to another player. In practice, the observation of the other players and one’s personal opponent must take place simultaneously. Players who always begin their movement too late can be helped by remarks such as “begin your movement as soon as the other attacker plays the ball in to the assist position” or even simpler “go when the ball is under the korf.”
A second point to look out for is whether the attackers perform the movements at speed or not. The running speed must be varied. Players who run continuously at full speed are the easiest to defend. Players who run slowly in a certain direction and then abruptly, and with speed, introduce one of the STANDARD ATTACKING MOVEMENTS are the most difficult.
Instead of allowing the players to attack “freely,” the instruction can be given for only one or two of the attacking movements to be used.