Forrester PE Dept

PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

 

DEPTH

 

Definition

Depth involves having a player further back than the others and can be utilised in either defence or attack. 

 

Impact on Performance

Depth in defence, often referred to as lines of defence, has a player covering behind the defender so that if the 1st defender is beaten there is still another to get by before being through on goal/basket. For example, some football teams operate with a sweeper behind the back 3 or 4 to provide a second line of defence. A scrum half in rugby may also sweep behind the defensive line after a line out to make a tackle on any opposing player who breaks through. Depth in attack is usually when a player drops further back from the goal/basket often to provide a passing option to retain possession. For example, having a player at the top of the 3 point line in basketball is useful if there is no space to penetrate and drive into the basket. This enables the team to keep possession of the ball and reorganise the attack from a different direction.  In rugby, a player may also come from deep to receive the ball, giving them time to pick a running line and making it difficult for the defence to organise who is going to make the tackle.