[Albion] How to defend against a Ward-Prowse freekick

[Arthritic Toe]

Someone mentioned on another thread but thought it could do with one of its own.

Just how the hell do you defend against those kicks? Easy answer is to not give away free kicks in the first place, but its unavoidable sometimes. I think some sort of radical tactic is required. Not sure what though. Player on the post? But that would allow the attacking players to crowd onto the line. Suggestions? The guy is lethal.

 

[Worthing exile]

Take him out of the game in the 1st minute? only joking.

 

[Mellotron]

Yeah it’s a concern. Looks like an area we’re poor on at the moment.

 

[m@goo]

Don't have a wall...

 

[Ooh it’s a corner]

Your first instinct is correct - we must not give away free kicks in range!
If we do....
Wonder what Sanchez is like in those positions - his stretch/range may be further than Maty’s

 

[Eric Youngs Contact Lense]

as OP says, the only real defence for it is to try and not give anything away in those shooting areas, but that's not probably possible. "We probably need a little bit of luck, these are the fine margins, that is the quality in the Premier League, we have to concentrate on our game and our qualities" - and its hard to disagree!

 

[Guinness Boy]

Take him out of the game in the 1st minute? only joking.

That was my first thought

 

[Stat Brother]

Your first instinct is correct - we must not give away free kicks in range!
If we do....
Wonder what Sanchez is like in those positions - his stretch/range may be further than Maty’s

Sunday's goal and all other spectacular free kicks scored against some of the world's best keepers would suggest long studs in Maty's boots won't be the answer.

Sometimes the other team is allowed to be good.

 

[Is it PotG?]

Whilst he's setting it up, point to the stands to distract him mentioning how nice it is to have fans back etc etc.

Whilst everyone looks over contentedly, replace the ball with a balloon.

 

[zefarelly]

Yeah it’s a concern. Looks like an area we’re poor on at the moment.

Just a minor understatement

Has there been a free kick we haven't conced from this season ?

 

[Papa Lazarou]

An interesting article on his approach

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...rowse-free-kick-technique-england-southampton

 

[Stat Brother]

Don't have a wall...

The only right answer, so far.

Thankfully we have a visionary at the helm so we have a chance of pulling it off.



"Hey JWP, you know you practice for hours on end, to create the perfect freekick.
Well now you have the ball in the exact spot you've practiced, please allow us to set up all the other accoutrements you require, in exactly the right place you've practiced for".



3 players up.
4 on the line
3 'guarding' the penalty spot.

The fella won't know what to do and will probably cry.

 

[Icy Gull]

Just a minor understatement

Has there been a free kick we haven't conced from this season ?

Harsh, but if on target you are probably right, quite a few deflections too I believe

 

[SweatyMexican]

Do a Rotherham from a few seasons back and stand about 5 yards closer to the free kick. Good luck getting over that wall James.

 

[spongy]

Get everyone to stand on the goal line to make an actual wall, giving the players the direction its heading for time to jump and head clear, with Maty in front of them to do his best at saving it

 

[el punal]

Whilst he's setting it up, point to the stands to distract him mentioning how nice it is to have fans back etc etc.

Whilst everyone looks over contentedly, replace the ball with a balloon.

That reminds me of the penalty that was awarded to MK Dons against us in the dying minutes of the game back in 2016. Numerous Albion players kept moving the ball off the spot and absolutely ripping the piss out of MK’s concentration. Sure enough, their player is completely flummoxed. He steps up and puts the ball wide and we win 2-1. Marvellous!

 

[Chinman3000]

Needs to be Sanchez in for this game. At least it will give us a chance over little matty

 

[Ding Dong !]

2 in the wall and two tall players either side of Ryan on the goal line

 

[Bladders]

4 tallest in the wall , 4 shortest sitting on their shoulders

Let’s see if can get the dip after getting it over that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rigton70]

Whilst he's setting it up, point to the stands to distract him mentioning how nice it is to have fans back etc etc.

Whilst everyone looks over contentedly, replace the ball with a balloon.

He would still score.