What is a sweeper
Defensive
- A player who gives the team a numerical advantage
in our defending organisation.
- Operates from a position generally between the
goalkeeper and rear defenders.
- Operates frequently from a position behind the
designated markers in the defensive structure, but may also position himself
amongst the markers and ahead of the markers as circumstances demand.
- A player without a specific or designated marking
role although he may be required to mark opponents in certain circumstances.
- A player who a team wishes to use in a free-from-marking
role, in covering, communication and organisation.l function.
- A player who on demand takes over other defending
functions from this free role when compelled to and knows when to do so
The sweeper only moves out from the covering
and comanising role when gaining possession is almost certain, the threat
to goal is serious or he can significantly delay attacking momentum whilst
co-defenders recover position.
Attacking
- A player who can initiate and participate in attacks
from the defending third of the field.
- A player who can progress the play into midfield
areas by carrying the ball possibly combining with other players to move
possession into midfield areas and beyond.
- A player who recognises when to move into positions
ahead of the backline in order to receive passes to progress the play.
- A player who takes over the role of other defenders
or comanises the take-over of those roles when they move forward in possession
or to support the play.
From his position
behind the defence a sweepers main functions will include:
- Being the chief 'defensive controller' by communicating
verbally with co-defenders.Verbally comanise co-defenders intheir responsibilities
and functions Initiate pre-planned defensive reactions to known situations,
e.g. Baresi, AC Milan- push out quickly to catch opponents offside- he
controls.
- Read the play by positioning himself to do so.
Observe movements and actions of opponents and the ball. Move or comanise
others to move and counter any necessary threats. Prioritorise tha actions
of himself and co-defenders.
- Accept a variety of different defensive roles
and understand when to change roles. Free player- ball ahead, ball wide,
ball in attacking 3rd, ball in mid 3rd. Marking responsibilities, cover
team-mates and leave middle areas to pressure the ball or intercept passes.
- Gaining possession of the ball and initiate play
from interceptions, challenges and from team-mates.
Qualities of
a sweeper
Defending
- Understands when and where to position himself according to the movement
of the ball and opponents possibly marked by his team-mates.
- Recognises when to change roles from sweeper to marker, pressure player
etc.
- Can understand and comanise teammates to counter opposition attacking
threats.
- Consistantly and accurately reads the play as it is developing- a defensive
controller.
- Appreciates risk, priority and therefore takes no necessary chances
in defending third.
Attacking
- Understand how, where and when to support the
play around him.
- Read the play around him before and on receiving
possession to assess circumstances and possibilities.
- Has assured controlling, running with the ball
and passing skills and knows how and when to use those skills.
- Can influence the position and role of those around
him by giving information or by decisive action.
- Is prepared to and capable of moving forward from
his rear position to contribute to attacking play in possession and also
when he is not in possession but is highly likely to receive the ball.
Area of operation
The sweepers area of operation usually
involves him in playing a defensive role as the rear-most defender. A useful
guideline to assist a sweeper or the sweepers coach is to identify the area
of operation as a funnel leading from the halfway line flag to the corner
of the penalty box on each side of the pitch.
That is not to say that a sweeper will not come outside
that area but if he does so, it is usually as a result of an error made
by team-mates ahead of him that causes him to defend outside his space
or the near certainty of an interception. It is fair to say that the
majority of the sweepers defending functions will take place inside
this funnel: within this area the sweeper needs to co-operate his positioning
and activity with all team-mates but specifically the 'markers' and
the goalkeeper. Obviously activity, roles and responsibilities are continually
changing with circumstances but co-ordinating a sweepers role with those
of the markers and the goalkeeper are particularly vital. |
|
|
