Offside Trap

bordelais7 · 09-01-2005, 08:57 AM

What is it exactly about our offside trap that doesn't work? Opponents have absolutely no trouble beating it, yet they all seem to implement it beautifully on their side of the field. I'm befuddled.

prk166 · 09-01-2005, 09:08 AM

It's the same overall defensive problem the has --> Organization. It's not just int he trap but in terms of the players figuring out how to shift over to pick up the loose guy on the wing (when Moreno got his brace) or who should pressure Adu before he got his goal. The season's over and they still seem to struggle with this. If you can't do those things a lot more often, you're going to see the same type of trouble with the trap. Someone's going to lag and keep others onside.

Aero · 09-01-2005, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

What is it exactly about our offside trap that doesn't work? Opponents have absolutely no trouble beating it, yet they all seem to implement it beautifully on their side of the field. I'm befuddled.

The refs hate us.

Dadof3 · 09-01-2005, 09:17 AM

I think you are looking for the specifics for how the trap should work...
#1 you must have ball pressure on the player making the pass...otherwise they can recognize the player is off and hold on the pass until they reset their run or look for a second runner coming through...
#2 you should usually pull the trap by having the defender who is stepping up be out of eyesight of the forward...if the forward sees them stepping, he can adjust his run...
#3 with #2 in mind, usually the outside backs in a 4-4-2 pull the trap...farthest from the forward, but with the best vision of the field.
#4 The defenders must push forward enough to force the forward to adjust his run by at least 3-4 yards...if it is only a year or two the forward can keep his momentum and speed through a "j" reset of his run...

So what went wrong yesterday? #1-4...over and over again.

bordelais7 · 09-01-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadof3

I think you are looking for the specifics for how the trap should work...
#1 you must have ball pressure on the player making the pass...otherwise they can recognize the player is off and hold on the pass until they reset their run or look for a second runner coming through...
#2 you should usually pull the trap by having the defender who is stepping up be out of eyesight of the forward...if the forward sees them stepping, he can adjust his run...
#3 with #2 in mind, usually the outside backs in a 4-4-2 pull the trap...farthest from the forward, but with the best vision of the field.
#4 The defenders must push forward enough to force the forward to adjust his run by at least 3-4 yards...if it is only a year or two the forward can keep his momentum and speed through a "j" reset of his run...

So what went wrong yesterday? #1-4...over and over again.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense, and #1 is confirmation of the big problem I noticed: no pressure on the distributor. The runs were nicely timed, yes, but the passes were dead on, and were only able to be executed because the passer had no one within 10 feet of him. I'm assuming Cutler and/or Mathis were usually the offending party...

SokkerNut · 09-01-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

The refs hate us.

I got that impression watching the game last night. How on earth DC only got 1 yellow card is beyond me.

MomOf8 · 09-01-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

The refs hate us.

I have to agree with Aero. Sad, but true. I've seen it in almost every sporting event I've attended on all levels.

Aerick · 09-01-2005, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

The refs hate us.

Agreed.

Rover · 09-01-2005, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadof3

I think you are looking for the specifics for how the trap should work...
#1 you must have ball pressure on the player making the pass...otherwise they can recognize the player is off and hold on the pass until they reset their run or look for a second runner coming through...
#2 you should usually pull the trap by having the defender who is stepping up be out of eyesight of the forward...if the forward sees them stepping, he can adjust his run...
#3 with #2 in mind, usually the outside backs in a 4-4-2 pull the trap...farthest from the forward, but with the best vision of the field.
#4 The defenders must push forward enough to force the forward to adjust his run by at least 3-4 yards...if it is only a year or two the forward can keep his momentum and speed through a "j" reset of his run...

So what went wrong yesterday? #1-4...over and over again.

Well said.

In the end, you have to step up and pull the forward off. We were flat footed, so the could read our defense and beat the trap.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 09-01-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

What is it exactly about our offside trap that doesn't work? Opponents have absolutely no trouble beating it, yet they all seem to implement it beautifully on their side of the field. I'm befuddled.

There are several problems:
1. The weak side defender is sagging. You saw Broome sag which led to Moreno's PK, and DC's weak side defender got caught low on Tarley's goal.
2. One danger with relying on the trap is defenders tend to start ballwatching. They do that so they know when to step up but it causes them to lose track of their man. So if the trap doesn't work by the time the defender realizes it his man is up to speed while he's standing still. The only solution is to get positioned so you can see your man & the ball (dangerous), or put the man on your shoulder so you can watch the ball and feel the man when he breaks (smarter).
3. The best trap only works 50% of the time or less. That means guys are going to get loose, which means the defense has to be willing to do the legwork to chase guys down. If you don't have great speed in the back (which RSL doesn't) or a willingness to run (which RSL doesn't), it's a dangerous gamble.

Dang I hate the trap.