Defending in the Attacking Third "Role of the forward block"

The work of the defenders in the attacking third refers to the movement of the defensive team, usually the forwards near the opponents goal and it is the beginning of team defense. The forwards are the ones involved in scoring goals, creating chances and working to create havoc among the opponent. However, the forwards are also the first line of defense when the ball is in the attacking third. Whether after a missed opportunity, a save by the keeper, a turnover in the attacking third, or a goal kick by the opponent, defense begins the second the opponent takes possession.

The role of the forwards is two fold; put high pressure on the opponent to force a turnover and to dictate play by forcing it in one direction making play predictable for the rest of the team. Playing with two forwards or three only changes the numbers up top, the idea remains the same. Stay behind the ball, apply pressure to the opponent to create turnovers and force the play in one direction.

When the ball is in the attacking third, the role of the forwards is that of first defender and second defenders. They need to work together as a unit using forced curved runs to dictate how and where the opponent moves the ball. The forwards must not necessarily win the ball and force a turnover, however they need to work together. This lets the rest of the defense shift according to minimize scoring opportunities by the oppoenent..

The decision on forcing the ball towards the center or towards the flank depends on a teams strength. If a team is stong winning crosses and clearing the ball off serves then forcing the ball outside is a good choice. If a team is built with tough agressive defenders who are not easily beat then forcing the ball towards to the middle is a good choice. In the attacking third, forcing middle also has the benefit of having the goal in the center and a forced turnover often will lead to a quality scoring opportunity. If the forwards do their job and dictate play this allows the rest of the team to adjust to the more dangerous players; the ones close to the ball that the forwards are forcing the ball towards. This will lead to less one v ones across the field and stronger defense.

Two forwards forcing play towards the center:
	The ball is with the right fullback. By working over and forcing the ball back inside the defending left forward dictates that play must go to his right. This allows the rest of the team to adjust accordingly. The defending right fullback is providing cover by working off the pressure defender on an angle. This takes away the diagonal pass thru the middle as the forward is there.

Two forwards working as first and second defender
	The ball is with the right fullback. The forwards are preventing the fullback from going forward or central, so he plays a back ball. The right forward works to pressure, curving his run attempting to force the ball back to where it came from. The forward who was pressure now drops in to cover, taking away the diagonal thru ball into the midfield or to the checking forwards. By working together as first and second defenders these forwards can dictate play. In the game, because the field is so large, it is difficult for two forwards to defend and force the ball back. Often it is enough to simply force the ball in one direction and keep it that way.

Two forwards working to force the ball back to the center
	The ball is now reversed to the left fullback and the forwards curve their runs forcing it back inside.  The right forward provides pressure while the left forward provides cover.

Two forwards holding centrally:
	The ball is with the right fullback and is played thru the keeper to reverse the field. Teams that are skilled in reversing the attack through the back of the field are more difficult to pressure and force back to the direction it came from. The use of the long pass to a central fullback or a keeper will prevent forwards from forcing the ball back. Instead of chasing the forwards should work central and as the ball works across the field work with it to again force the ball back to the center.

Defending in the Middle Third