The term long ball refers to the attempt to deliver the ball a long-distance across the field via an aerial kick. This long kick is either conveyed by the goalkeeper or a defender. The receiving end of the ball does not necessarily have to be a player from the same team. The one to receive the ball can also be from the opposing team.
Benefits of Playing a Long Ball
A team that knows how to take an expansive approach can gain more benefits. Although spectators deemed playing a direct football boring, its effectiveness should not be dismissed. There are many uses of a long ball approach that can help the team gain advantage.- Breaks the Line
If your team has fast or tall strikers, the long approach can be an effective technique as a defensive tactic. The striker can kick the ball across the field, passing through the defensive line. To get the ball, both the defensive team and the attacking team races across the field in an attempt to get it first.
A long ball is particularly useful to break down the defense systems of the midfielders. If the player finds it difficult to make passes or playing through narrow gaps, making a long-distance kick towards its teammate will knock down these defensive walls as the midfielders’ scrambles across the field to take the ball. Once the wall is knockdown, the team in possession of the ball can take the opportunity to shot or play through balls.
- Effective Counter-attacks Technique
The long ball can be considered as a good strategy for quick counter-attacking moves. If a player can exploit the instability of the opposing team’s defensive line, the long-distance kick can be effective. Often fast striker players have deemed a valuable asset in a team, especially if they are good in delivering long aerial kicks.
When playing football, it is ideal to avoid bouncing the ball before it reaches to your teammate as they are harder to control. Bouncing ball also poses a threat of losing the possession of the ball. With long ball passes, it is typically used to switch up play straight towards the midfield area.
Despite the stigma of boring or primitive passes, the effectiveness in using long ball passes cannot be denied, particularly when you use this as a counter-attacking technique. It often leads to some defenders being caught off-guard.