Soccer: How to Use the Offside Trap

In soccer, as in many other sports, you can't lose if the other team doesn't make any points. Defense wins games, making a strong defensive strategy vital. Used correctly, the offside trap can be an immensely powerful weapon. An offside trap is a strategy used to catch an opposing team off side, stopping counter attacks and killing momentum.

First, for a player to be offside, two things need to happen. The player needs to be in an offside position, meaning the player must be on the opponent's side of the field, and must be closer to the opponent's goal line than the second to last defender (Last defender besides the goalie). Second, the player must be in active play. This means that the player in offside position must gain an advantage by being in offside position, interfere with play, or interfere with an opponent. If both apply to a player, offside is called turning over possession of the ball.

When using the offside trap tactic, defenders commonly stand in a straight line, from one sideline to the other. When their team has possession and is moving up the opposing team's side, the line moves up to about the half field line. When the opposing team takes possession of the ball, and moves forward to counter attack, the trap is sprung. Before a player can pass forward, the defensive line swiftly moves up, catching the opposing team offside. The offside trap tactic is the most effective when the number of defenders and attackers in the situation are about equal (ex. Two defenders, two attackers), or when defenders are outnumbered by attackers. When an opposing player is called offside, possession of the ball is turned over and an indirect free kick is called. Free kicks are amazing opportunities to put yourself in good position or even to score.

Now while the offside trap is powerful, it comes with a degree of risk. What if the referee doesn't call offside? What if it's too close to call? Breaking through the defensive line would leave an opposing team with an open lane to the goal, a one on one against the goalie. Using the offside trap poorly will greatly increase your opponent's chances of scoring. This makes practice, practice, practice all the more important. In a game, a mistake could be devastating. Subsequently, this tactic should only be taught to more advanced teams, causing more trouble than good for younger players.

Overall, in soccer defensive strategy is exceedingly important. The offside trap can all in all stop an opponent in their tracks, shutting down momentum and creating great opportunities. Even though there are risks, if practiced and performed well the trap will vastly boost your chances of winning. This being said, start practicing the offside trap and experience the benefits for yourself.