After demonstrating to Julian how to play the ball better, Carter said earnestly:
"Julian, the full-back position has the lowest entry requirements but the highest potential for growth among all positions on the football field. To qualify, you need physical fitness, confrontation skills, and speed. However, if you wish to advance and excel, playing well at this position is more challenging than any other."
Julian asked humbly, "Coach, can you tell me the details?"
Coach Carter's gaze grew more appreciative. "Certainly, if you have the determination, you can become a great full-back."
"Let's start with defense."
"In defense, you must always maintain the correct position. What is the correct position? Specifically, when the ball is in the center, keep an appropriate lateral distance from the central defender. If the ball is passed to the opponent's striker, your central defender will step out to challenge. Therefore, you must shrink back and cover the space behind."
"If the ball is not in the center but on the other side, tighten the space behind the central defender. Note that if an attacker moves between you and the central defender, you have two options: either stay with the central defender to mark the striker, or move up to the player."
"Choosing wisely depends on your ability to read the game and your soccer IQ."
"During the defensive process, you must always keep in line with the overall team formation. If you notice that the line is out of alignment, make timely adjustments."
"If the ball develops on your side, respond well to your teammates. If you advance, instruct them to fill the space you leave behind to avoid being passed by the opponent."
"In this type of game, you rushed directly to the fight. Luckily, the training team's level is low, but if you play so aggressively against a stronger team, you might lose your position."
"Never let the opponent's wingers or full-backs get behind you easily."
"Remember this: the defensive principle of a full-back is to defend the center first and then the wing."
"Many full-backs have a misunderstanding, thinking they only need to focus on defending the wing, which is incorrect."
"The area you must defend most vigilantly is the center."
As he spoke, Coach Carter pulled out a tactical board and drew several circles in the middle with a marker.
"Look here. If you don't cover the center in time and the opponent breaks through, you'll be caught off guard and they can split the defense, creating a two-on-one situation."
"But if the winger attacks from the side, our other defenders will help out, and you can still recover."
Coach Carter emphasized, "So, defending the side is simpler, but defending the center is much more complex. Your positional awareness is crucial."
Julian took a deep breath and nodded eagerly, "Got it, Coach. The full-back's main focus is on the center."
Coach Carter went on, "There's another important point for full-backs: don't make rash tackles unless absolutely necessary. Especially in the 30-meter area of your own half, it's very risky to be dribbled past. Giving away a free kick in that area is even more dangerous."
"Don't be too scared of the opponent's player breaking through. Breaking through requires skill, and in high school games, it's not easy to do so. When you press them, just follow closely, use your body to challenge, and don't tackle unless you're confident."
"Maintain a good position, apply pressure, and don't commit fouls easily. There won't be significant defensive issues."
Whoa...
Is this really the coach of an amateur high school team?
It's so professional and insightful!
Julian felt a sense of enlightenment!
His understanding of the full-back position deepened significantly!
Julian quickly asked again, "And in terms of offense, what does it take to be a qualified full-back?"
Coach Carter grew increasingly energetic. "Our British football style heavily relies on the contributions of full-backs. Although the European style has become more popular recently, the authentic British football strategy still considers the full-back a vital component."
"To become an offensive full-back, besides the fundamental skills of physical fitness and confrontation, you must minimize your errors. In essence, if you can pass accurately, you've fulfilled your primary role."
"Thus, an attacking full-back must have a high passing accuracy rate."
Coach Carter wrote and drew on the tactical board again, "To put it bluntly, there are three key points for full-backs to handle the ball. First, pass forward to the striker or the midfielder of the team. Second, pass across to the defensive midfielder, or, after advancing, cross the ball to the forward or the front midfielder. Third, pass back to the central defender to maintain possession."
"Therefore," he continued, "you must always be observant and read the positions of the striker, midfielders, and central defender on the field."
"What is observation? It involves looking around and noting their positions," he clarified.
"And reading? Reading is about predicting their next moves based on their current body language," Coach Carter added.
"All of this requires a deep understanding of your teammates and rich game experience," he emphasized.
After putting away the tactical board, he addressed Julian, "You played with your own style in today's 10-minute game, particularly with that side cut. It gave me some food for thought——When you go back tonight, think about what I've told you."
Julian responded earnestly, "Yes, coach."
Coach Carter then asked casually, "Oh, and by the way, do you... have a girlfriend?"
"No... I mean, yes," Julian blushed slightly.
In reality, he didn't have one, but according to his agreement with Sophie, he still considered himself as having a girlfriend for the time being.
Coach Carter shrugged, unfazed. "It's normal for boys to have girlfriends. When I was your age, I had three or four at the same time. However, I won't interfere in your personal life. But... tonight, you shouldn't be too affectionate."
Julian's eyes widened in surprise.
"What? Did I hear that right?"
"Coach, what do you mean by 'love'?" Julian asked, genuinely confused.
"Why the emphasis on 'tonight'?" Julian thought. "Could it be that I might have a chance to play in the group stage tomorrow?"
Julian took a deep breath and assured Coach Carter, "Don't worry, coach! I won't be in love tonight!"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Big Thanks to Karim723 for being my first Pledge in Patreon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(ﾉ^ヮ^)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
Comment, and Support me @ Patreon(dot)com(slash)EroskillerTL