Defensive Strategies in Pelotaris
Defensive Principles
These principles come into play when a team loses possession of the ball.
Markings
Markings involve tactical and strategic actions by players to regain ball possession and put their adversaries at a disadvantage.
- Individual: 1×1, areas, mixed
- Collective: Combined coverages, swaps, withdrawal, pressing
1×1 Man Marking
A player marks an opponent designated by the coach, following them wherever they go on the field.
Advantages:
- The adversary is never free.
- Continuous physical presence.
- Reduced passing capacity.
Disadvantages:
- A single mistake can lead to significant risk.
- Difficult to perform defensive coverages and provide support.
- Physically demanding.
Marking Areas
Each player is assigned a specific area of the field and marks any attacker entering that zone. The team maintains a defensive unit that shifts based on the ball’s location.
Advantages:
- Defenders maintain their designated positions.
- Individual errors are easily corrected.
- Promotes teamwork and shared responsibility.
Disadvantages:
- Multiple attackers can overwhelm a single defender’s area.
- Less effective in smaller spaces.
Mixed Marking
Players initially mark zones but switch to individual marking when an opponent enters their assigned area. This combines different marking styles.
Advantages:
- Provides defensive security and flexibility.
Disadvantages:
- Demands high physical effort and concentration.
- Zone defense may be compromised.
Combination Marking
The team employs a mix of marking styles, with some players using zone marking and others using individual marking.
Coverage
Players position themselves to support teammates who may be overwhelmed by an opponent. Coverage can be individual (one player supporting another) or zonal (covering a specific area).
Advantages:
- Provides consistent support.
- Creates numerical superiority in defense.
- Facilitates swaps.
Disadvantages:
- Requires strong teamwork.
- Can create uncertainty among players.
Swaps
When a player is under pressure, teammates quickly fill the gap they leave, maintaining defensive integrity.
Advantages:
- Enhances defensive security.
Withdrawals
When a team loses possession, players quickly retreat to their designated defensive positions.
Zones:
- Zone 1: Goal line to midfield.
- Zone 2: Midfield line to the opponent’s midfield line.
- Zone 3: Opponent’s midfield line to their goal line.
Intensive Withdrawal
Players retreat from the opponent’s midfield line to their own midfield line.
Goal:
- Maintain a rational field position.
- Prevent opponents from having free movement.
- Close down open spaces.
- Maintain appropriate distance between lines.
Pressing
Pressing aims to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play by applying immediate pressure. It involves reducing space, maintaining short distances between lines, and an advanced goalkeeper position.
Defensive Overlaps
Two players exchange positions and roles to cover for a teammate who has moved forward and lost possession.
Permanent Support
Predetermined defensive assignments for each player based on the ball’s and opponent’s location.
Defensive Delays
Tactical maneuvers to slow down the opponent’s attack and disrupt their rhythm.
Entry
A player’s action to win the ball from an opponent.
Anticipation
Defensive action taken in anticipation of an opponent’s movement to intercept the ball.
Interception
Intercepting a pass to prevent it from reaching its intended target.
Charges
Legal shoulder-to-shoulder contact to pressure an opponent with the ball.