THE RIGHT FLANK

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 142, 18 June 1938, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE RIGHT FLANK

ESSENTIALS OF RIGHT-WING PLAY. CONSIDERED by some to be the easiest position on the field by reason of the fact that plav is always made to the left, thus employing a natural swing, the right winger will soon find that this idea is erroneous. There are many im-

portant points to be learned and need of much practice before becoming a player of class in that position. The first essential is speed, so that depth of thrust can be added to the attack. Secondly, ball control and dribbling whilst running at top speed is necessary and can be mastered only after patient practice. To be able to centre with a sharp crisp hit while travelling at speed is the third essential, always, of course, being sure that the ball travels in such a direction that one of the inside forwards can collect the pass and carry on with the movement. The winger must also be able to trap the ball from a long pass without slackening Ms pace. Positional Play. Tf you are the player in this position you should always remember that your territory consists of that strip of the field between the sevenyard line and the sideline. Remember also that you can pass the ball only the one way and. therefore, yon are able to be marked more closely and effectively. You can counteract this to a certain extent by keeping your position as near to the sideline m possible, thus forcing the half to came in on the wrong side to tackle. Tt will be seen that speed and ball control are all right when you have a clear run, but you must also be able to bring clever stick work into play to enable you to elnde the defence and emerge with the ball to start that run. Keep your position at all times, and do not crowd in on the centre. Always keep on the move so that yon have the opposing half guessing m. to your actual position, but never fail to be ready to accept a pass. When your side i« attacking watch •very movement of your inside and

eeiitre-foTward, and even your centrehalf. They will Be, watching to see if you are unmarked, and, if so, you will surely get a pass. Try, if possible, to create an opening by manoeuvring yourself into an unmarked position ready to take the pass. Once you receive the ball you must realise that you have to do

something with it, and circumstances will determine the best course to adopt. With a clear run you may go right on, according to the position of the defence, and centre when you reach the vicinity of the twenty-five. If you have beaten the half-back, you may carry on and attempt to draw one of the full-backs out of position before centring. Or, if you are quickly or unexpectedly tackled, pass to your inside right, or even to a half, if he is well positioned, so that either of them may be able to initiate a fresh attack for you. Then afrain if yoft find no opposition when down the wing on your own, you can bore into the circle, and use your judgment as to the beet policy to follow. Either you must shoot for sroal or pass to one of your other forwards in a better position than yourself. But do not spoil your play by

INSIDE RIGHT, AND RIGHT WING POSITIONS

excessive boring in and. NEVER try to shoot goals from acute and impossible angles. Centring. Having gained as much ground as possible the next part of your job is to pass the ball in-field so that the inside forwards can carry the movement to a successful closure. Generally speaking your centre should be made when near the twenty-five. Before making the pass take a quick glance to see the position of your inside forwards and the defence, and this will allow you to determine the angle of your centre. Sometimes it may be a square centre, at other times a forward oblique centre (see Plate No. 33), or if you are forced well upfield, you will then have to centre on a backward angle. When centring be particularly careful not to give sticks. Inside Right. As an inside right you must remember that you must be always ready to sttaek. Your positional play must be faultless, otherwise the crowding of your centre or wing men will prove disastrous. . At all times know the disposition of not only your own forward*, but also the opposing defence, and 'be ready to snap into an opening should the opportunity present itself. Watch for the right moment to give or take

a pesa, for the opportune pass is the real solution of a. successful inside right's game. By moving too slowly ahead to take a pass or by pacing too late the attacking movement is likely to break down. Combined Play. First-time passing is better than foolish attempts to try and beat the defence single-handed, and that means that you must combine with I both your centre and right wing man. Not only that, but you mußt also be ready and able to interchange positions with either of these two players should the necessity arise. NEVER PLAT SELFISHLY. The side retaining possession of the ball MUST hold the advantage, therefore, it is far better to pass freely than to hold on to the ball and eventually lose it. It follows, of counse, that it is important for your pass to bo made correctly. Hit the ball cleanly and crisply in a direction slightly ahead of your partner, then follow up ready for a return pass should one come your way. Practice passing to either side. "Tackling back" is an important fart of your duty when you lose possession on the attack. Also when your halvea and backs are hardpressed you should not fail to fall back and help. Should you get the ball pass it to your winger, for as a general rule it is sound principle to pass to the wing when on defence and to the inside men when on attack. Circle Worlc. Once you reach the circle shoot hard and quickly. To dally with the

The inside right has drawn lh» opposing left half before making his pass to the right wing. Note hon> the latter's stick is ready) tm receive the ball. ball, tapping- it to try and work it into a better position usually prove* fataL The first time shot ia tke best. If, however, you find yourself forced almost on to the goal-line, do not attempt to score unless the opening is absolutely clear. It is better to pass the ball back to one of your forwards waiting for the opportunity to find the net. Always "follow in" on another forward's, shot at goal. (To be continued.)