retired_daiseys

Ok, I'm having a real nightmare right now to create a SOLID defense tactic without giving away the attacking flair.

I'm looking at right now a system which employ either 2 or 3 Midfields that coming down to help the back 4.

I don't want to put all 11 men behind the balls, I know that it will give me a solid defense but it would give me no chance in attacking.


So anyway, CLOSING DOWN, HIGH or LOW?

Obviously, HCD (High closing down) will result in big gap behind the one that closing down. So I always believe, HCD should only be avail for Midfields that coming down to help defense. Is that true?

Alternately, I have seen ppl apply LCD on Midfields which is also quite beneficial, LCD forcing their players to try to get pass you. So in case they do, they will still struggle because there will be defenders right behind the mid to deal with. However, LCD will results in the opposition have loads of time, possesion on the ball.

At first I was thinking that LCD should only be used against strong side, because HCD against good players might results in them turning and get pass easily. But somehow, giving them too much time is not good also, they will quickly crowded my defense (7 behind the ball) and I think because I use Man Marking, they have 8 players in front of the ball so there's always a hole to explore.

If I use HCD against a strong side, there will be gap left behind, not to mention they have chance to dribble thru my midfielders as well.

So again, how to Closing down effectively? If you could elabroate with Man Marking or Zone Marking or Defensive Line as well, that would be nice.

I'm trying to always keep 3 up front for quick break though, should I commit 11 behind the balls then?