Overview
The Grizzlies have four plus "one" planned methods of attack to score. The are long counter-attack, center counter-attack, Tiki-Taka and high press. The plus one is set piece plays like corners and direct kicks which will be covered on the set piece page.
Each of the these methods of attack is driven by opponents defense stance. Our game awareness is critical to us making the best attacking decision possible at the time when we transition from the defense to the offence. Every player on the field must have a shared team understanding of the method of attack we are choosing at the time of regaining possession of the ball.
Grizzly Method of Attacks
Our preferred methods are:
Long Counter-Attack
The long counter-attack is our first choice, but also least likely choice for our method of attack. When we regain position of the ball in our defending half of the field our players who have the "foot" to pass it forward into the Long Counter-Attack first look up to see if the opponent's defense is still pushed forward along the midfield line. If yes, that player with the ball sends it into the attacking half in our passing zone for our forward to run onto. The forwards then attack rapidly with the attacking midfielder to seize on the opportunity presented by the opponent's defense being pushed forward.
Decision Factors:
- Opponent's defense pushed forward along the midfield
- Our forwards postured to make an outside-in attacking run
- Space available to make a long pass
Key Skills
- Player who regains possession of the ball has Game Awareness to see the long counter attack opportunity
- Player who regains possession of the ball can pass it the required 40 yards into the attacking zone
- Forward in position and anticipates long ball
- Forward has the skill to control the ball and shoot and score
- Off forward able to support the forward with the ball
Center Counter-Attack
The Center counter-attack is our second choice behind the long counter-attack. When we regain position of the ball in our defending half of the field on the outside and we cannot send it long, we look to attack down the center with our stopper. If the opponents defense is already withdrawn back away from the midfield and the opponents center midfielders are away from the middle of the field we look to push the ball rapidly to our stopper who is attacking forward out of the defense.
Decision Factors:
- Opponent's defense pushed forward along the midfield
- Our forwards postured to make an outside-in attacking run
- Space available to make a long pass
Key Skills
- Player who regains possession of the ball has Game Awareness to see the center counter attack opportunity
- Player who regains possession of the ball can pass the ball with the required direction and speed into the attacking zone
- Forward in position and moves to support center attack
Tiki-Taka
Tiki-taka is the primary method of attack for the grizzlies. It is what will be used by the team 70% of the time after the long counter attack and center counter attack are not available. This is a ball control method where the Grizzlies will move the ball forward with great control using high percentage passes to deliberately move the ball down field. Once the Grizzlies move within range of creating a goal scoring opportunity they will seek out the passing and attacking option that creates the most likely goal.
Decision Factors:
- Opponent's defense withdrawn to 18.
- Opponents withdrawing on defense
Key Skills
- Player who regains possession of the ball has Game Awareness to see the long counter attack opportunity
- Player who regains possession of the ball can pass it the required 40 yards into the attacking zone
- Forward in position and anticipates long ball
- Forward has the skill to control the ball and shoot and score
- Off forward able to support the forward with the ball
High Press
The high press is the attacking method we choose that may be the most productive of all our attacks. It is closest to the opponent's goal and leads most quickly to a scoring opportunity. When our forwards see an opponent weak with trapping and passing skills they determine that we attack like a pack of lionesses. Pushing the ball to an isolated position where we can take advantage and great a turn over leading to us regaining position of the ball. This then leads to a scoring opportunity and then goal.
Decision Factors:
- Weak trapping and passing skills by opponent's defense
- Forwards close enough to pressure our opponent's defense
- Attacking midfielder anticipates where she can steal the ball
Key Skills
- Turn the opponents
- Anticipate where the ball is going
- Double team
- Score
