Details
When defending above goal line extended, our approach angles are designed to eliminate the middle and funnel dodgers into low-percentage areas like the sidelines and alleys. The on-ball defender closes out under control with a top-down angle, taking away the direct path to the center of the field and positioning their body to influence the ball carrier toward the boundary. It’s not about overcommitting, but about steering, hips and feet angled to guide the dodge where we want it to go. As the ball is forced down the alley, adjacent defenders are ready in support, shrinking space and showing early help without giving up easy passes. This creates a layered effect where the offense feels pressure from the ball and help at the same time. The priority is clear: no straight-line dodges to the middle, no clean topside access, everything gets pushed wide, contested, and away from the high-percentage scoring area inside the house.
