Forrester PE Dept

PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

 

SUPPORT

 

Definition

Support can be similar to depth as it is mainly about providing options to teammates in attack and providing cover in defence. Support can also come from team-mates in front or in wide positions.  

 

Impact on Performance

Support is an important principle of play in team activities. For example, support play in Rugby involves helping the ball carrier advance the position of the ball.  Options and support are vital to keeping the opponents guessing about what you will do and to help your team break through the opposition defence.  Good support reduces the need to kick the ball and ultimately give up possession of the ball. Support in football is also extremely important. When the ball is played into the strikers it is vital that wide players and midfielders get up the pitch as quickly as possible in order to support the attacker and perhaps create an overload. If there is little support or it does not arrive quickly enough then striker(s) can become isolated leading to poor ball retention.