Playname : Play - 2, 3 drop
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1
Objective: To keep the ball away from a strong centre forward or to force him to shoot quickly. To force the majority of shots to be predictable and to come from the outside. To disrupt the opposition's attack and tempo.
Description: While the other defenders press their attackers, the defenders of 2 and 3 positions drop 1 to 1 1/2 metres metres off their man towards the goal (the drop distance should vary according to whether the attacker is a good or poor shooter - less for good shooters). The 6's defender should prevent the attacker playing the ball but without conceding a major foul. He should block the corner of the goal nearer to him. The defenders of attacking positions 1 and 5 should press their men. The 4's defender presses his man and should be particularly aware of counter attack opportunities. |
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2
When their man has the ball: 2's defender blocks the corner of the goal nearest to him; 3's defender blocks one corner of the goal, most likely to be left side (from the defence's/goalkeeper's view) when blocking a right handed shooter. Should the player at 3, move round to 4 position, the defender may move to block the left corner or move out to press the player. The shooting lanes to block are illustrated here.
They may attempt to tackle their man from time to time to disrupt the attack, but must initially have their arm up to block. They must not follow the 2 and 3 attackers out beyond range of "crashing" back to the centre. |
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3
When blocking the attacker with the ball, 2 or 3's defenders should walk towards their man, closing him down. Should 2 or 3 walk in, their respective defender must put them under pressure, so that the attacker cannot pick his spot; so that the shot is more predictable for the goalkeeper. In the diagram, while 2's defender blocks and starts to put his attacker under pressure, 3's defender leans towards the centre forward (6 attacker), hips up towards the attacker at 3, though not moving close enough to be held by the 6.
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4
When their man does not have the ball, 2 and 3 position defenders should have their hips up towards their man on the perimeter and lean towards the centre forward, ready to make the steal when the ball is played in (as illustrated here).
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5
Should an outside attacker drive, his defender should follow him, although other defenders may assist in picking up the driver.
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6
If not fully occupied by his attacker, 4's defender may "stunt" towards the attacker at 3, to prompt a hurried short or pass. This avoids 3's defender being drawn too far out from the drop.
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This page was made with Water Polo Playbook from Jes-Soft