Long ball (Football)

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[edit] Long ball

Long ball is the term used in association football to describe an attempt, often speculative, to distribute the ball a long distance down the field via a cross, without the intention to pass it to the feet of the receiving player. It is a technique that can be especially effective for a team with a tall striker to get in the box.

While not a pure long-ball play, Germany's final goal of the 1974 Word Cup relied on a long diagonal run and extended pass on the wing. The long-ball game requires more than passing but also good distance running, positioning, and dribbling as well.
While not a pure long-ball play, Germany's final goal of the 1974 Word Cup relied on a long diagonal run and extended pass on the wing. The long-ball game requires more than passing but also good distance running, positioning, and dribbling as well.

The 'long ball theory' was first discussed by a retired RAF Wing Commander — Charles Reep — in the 1950s in England. Reep was a highly capable statistician and analyzed not only the number of passes which led to a goal, but also the field positions where those passes originated. Reep documented his findings in various publications including match day programmes. It is from Reep and subsequent research by mathematicians that the concept of 'gulleys' (the optimum position between the corner flag and six yard box from which to make the final pass into the penalty box), the '3-pass optimization rule' (pass 1 - long ball, pass 2 - control/knock down & pass 3 - shot from inside the box), the '9 shots per goal' maxim (on average, only one goal is scored for every nine shots) and the 'twelve point three yard' position (the mean distance from the goal that all goals are scored is 12.3 yards) all originate.

The style of play called Long ball has often been criticized as method that has held back the England national football team. It is generally considered by many around the world to be an English style of play that is primitive and used by teams lacking the skill to create plays, it is heavily criticized by supporters who prefer more skill based technical and tactical play.[1][2][3] It is however used by teams desperate to score a goal before the end of a match.[4]

The long-ball game is also advocated in such books The Winning Formula: The Football Association Soccer Skills and Tactics shich demonstrates with statistics that a majority of goals are scored within 5 passes of the ball.[5]

[edit] Notable Long Ball Managers

[edit] Notable Long Ball Strikers


[edit] Examples of the long-ball game

As noted above, the longball style is sometimes criticized as being used by weaker teams with less tactical skill. In the hands of mediocre teams, or at the lower youth leagues this might be so. Analysis of its implementation at world-class levels however, shows that effective use of long-ball techniques can be found in numerous competitive World Cup or championship club teams. It can be used as a counterattacking style, or as a daring through pass when opportunities open up during a game. The long ball requires top level skill to implement correctly. Mere passing is not the only variable- intelligent running into space, good dribbling and crisp finishings also required.[12]


[edit] Long ball to the center

The diagram below shows one of the best uses of the long-ball, the score of Holland striker Dennis Bergkamp against Argentina, in the 1998 World Cup. Dutch defender De boer initiated the move from near the middle of the field, with a long pass taht curled over 7 defenders. Bergkamp controlled the difficult ball, spun past a defender and smashed it home. The example illustrates the power of the long-ball style but also that it is more than simply pumping the ball upfield. Only Bergkamp's excelent skills were able to take advantage of the Deboer's outstanding, and daring pass. As such, it emphasizes that soccer/football is a game requiring not only a comprehensive package of individual skills, but imagination and creativity as well. Both are present in the long-ball style.


[edit] Long ball to the wings: Norwegian style

Contemporary teams like Norway and Sweden have also demonstrated the viability of the long-ball approach when executed with skill, precision and creativity by top players. Norway played a characteristic 4-5-1 formation in the 1990s and early 21st century. The left back would often hit long crosses to Jostein Flo, who in turn would head the ball to either one of the central midfielders or to the striker. This was known as the Flo Pass, and the Norwegian national team garnered much criticism for its perceived long-ball approach. Egil Olsen did, however, take the national team to two World Cups, and the long ball style of play is considered to have played an important role in accomplishing this.[13]

Below is one of the greatest of the Norwegian goals scored with this style, by the striker Tore André Flo, during the 1998 World Cup. Similar to the Bergkamp goal above, but played to an advanced man on the wing, it began with an extremely long pass from Baiano. Flo was alone when he received. He ran on and cut inside to beat his defending opponent, then slotted the ball pass the goalkeeper Tafarrel. The Norwegians went on to upset the mighty Brazilian team in this match.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Micallef, Philip (2007-10-15). Cole reveals home truths. Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  2. ^ Mallam, Colin (2002-04-23). Long-ball tactics may fall short. Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  3. ^ Samuel, Martin (2007-11-21). Long and the short of growing pains that stunt England’s finest.
  4. ^ Holden, Jim (2007-09-21). Why Englang Need Coaching Genius.
  5. ^ Charles Hughes, The Winning Formula: The Football Association Soccer Skills and Tactics, HarperCollins: 1990
  6. ^ Henson, Michael. Bolton Wanderers.
  7. ^ Ashton, Neil (2007-01-22). Hockaday feels Hornets' sting.
  8. ^ Glanville, Brian (2002-09-21). "The Charltons". Sportstar 25 (28). 
  9. ^ Glanville, Brian (2002-12-14). "The Irish question". Sportstar 25 (50). 
  10. ^ Norway's style won't change without Olsen (1998-06-28). Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  11. ^ Taylor, Graham (2005-07-20). A tall tale.
  12. ^ Ken Jones and Pat Welton, Soccer Skills and Tactics, Crown Publishers, 1979, p. 157-159
  13. ^ National Soccer Coaches Association of America, The Soccer Coaching Bible, Human Kinetics Publishers; 2004

[edit] See also

[edit] External links