Today we’re talking about the most dangerous parts of the soccer field. Knowing these areas and what you can do will help you win more games. It’s vital for all positions to know and to incorporate during training or practice. Especially the use, who perhaps don’t watch as much higher level soccer play, when asked cannot answer a statistical question such as this one.
3 reasons the 18 yard box
1) If a player on the other team handballs it on accident or purpose, you get a penalty kick
2) If the other team fouls your team, it’s a penalty kick
3) Over 80% of goals are scored inside the 18-yard box. Specifically between the six-yard box and the PK spot
Space behind the back four
If you have a defender or midfielder with good vision and passing skills great things can happen.
Match that with a forward who knows how to make runs in behind the center back you you have one of the most dangerous parts of the soccer field.
Forwards who learn how to make runs at the right time are very difficult to mark.
One of the best ways is by hiding yourself behind the defender so they can’t see you and the ball at the same time. If the ball goes to one side, the forward should try to get on the other side of one of the defenders. Then you can time your run to get in behind – into space.
The corner zones of the pitch
There are 18 total zones on a soccer pitch…
In the corners are zone 1, 3, 16 and 18.
These are some of the most dangerous parts of the soccer field because when the ball is passed into those spaces, there’s often a goal that follows.
Remember, when the ball gets wide the back four have to see it. This is a good time for the forwards and mids to make runs on the opposite side of the defender.
What different player positions need to know
Defenders: Need to know for 2 main reasons:
- You want to make sure you don’t foul in the 18 or outside of it.
- Make sure your within arms reach from the player you’re marking.
Midfielders: Need to be good at crossing balls into the 18-yard box. It’s essential that when doing so they’re not crossing it at the goalie but just far enough away that they don’t come out. If you’re going to cross the ball at the six-yard box, hit it hard so the goalie doesn’t have time to get it. If you are far outside the 18-yard box, then you might want to cross it at the pk spot or between pk & 18. It just all depends on the situation.
Forwards: You have to understand that defenders hate having to mark a forward who was really good with the ball inside the 18-yard box. Try to create as much space between you and the defender so you can, when the ball is in a wide position.
Goalkeepers: The first one to tell you that the 18 is one of the most dangerous parts of the soccer field. Keepers can help by verbally directing the defenders and mids when the opponents have the ball. In other words, telling a defender in front of them to step to the left or right. For the purpose of cutting off a pass. In addition, to get closer to a man they need to mark. Goalkeepers need to make sure that their teammates are switched on 100% of the time.
Throw-ins are dangerous both attacking and defending
In the attacking third, players who can throw the ball into the 18-yard box are a threat. This should be done more often in youth leagues.
Here’s why – fouls & handballs are an immediate penalty kick which usually ends up as a goal. Other than that, you can dribble past defenders, pass or shoot – all with a good chance to score.
My college coach used to yell “get it in the box”. He knows that the 18 is one of the most dangerous parts of the soccer field.
Where most goals are scored
By gaining more knowledge about the game, you improve your strategy and performance training.
If you are going to cross the ball, run a set-piece, make sure you know where to aim.
Most goals are scored between the 6 yard box and the pk spot.
Practicing finishing drills
The way to improve in this part of the field is by putting yourself there – a lot.
- Cross/pass the ball on the ground from out wide [15 yards from the goal]
- Aim your cross to the 6 yard / penalty area.
- The player who is shooting needs to aim low, mostly using the inside of the feet. This way if you miss hit the ball, making it go higher, you hopefully still score.
Don’t be nervous to miss.
When you’re not used to it that’s a normal feeling, but when you practice like how I listed above you build confidence and skill.
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