German defence play

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Efficiency of German defence play depends on good organization, in particular a good relationship between the central defence players and the outside defenders.

The game situation shows well organized defence players: The attackers can not make easy throws, the central defenders (RH, RI, LI, LH) cut the backcourt players’ open space to the goal, passing to the line is not possible either. The goalkeeper is well placed to support the well-positioned central defenders and thus to spoil shooting opportunities. The left half-defender jumps to prevent CB from passing or from shooting at the goal.	The centre back feeds RB. The central defence players (RH, RI) cover the pivot. The left outside-defender runs quickly to spoil RB’s shot or pass to RW.

Central defender LI (no. 24) moves quickly to cover room on the outside position. The LO defender covers RB. In this situation, RW can receive the ball to gain open space and thus to advance to the goal.	LO cannot cut RB but is pushing him in a way that he is unable to pass the ball properly to RW. LI must move quickly to cover RW and to close open space. LH must return quickly to join the central defenders. .

RB’s pass does not properly reach RW in order for him to shoot. So LI has more time to close space and to cover RW.	The defenders are blocking and covering RW so that he is unable to prepare to shoot or to feed the pivot, he cannot return the ball to RB or CB either – the attackers become isolated.