Commands in Football

Question 1

High press

Answer 1

The players performed the high press
PSG adopted a high press
‘‘Press them high up the pitch’’
Press the defence, the opposition, in the final third

Question 2

Stay with your man

Answer 2

The defence needs to stay with their men / Track the runner

‘‘Stay with your man’’ ‘‘Track the runner’’

Question 3

Push up

Answer 3

The defence has to push up and relieve the pressure, all together
‘‘Push up!’’

Question 4

Step forward

Answer 4

The defence needs to step forward a few yards to limit the space in front
‘‘Step forward’’ ‘‘Step up!’’

Question 5

Clear it

Answer 5

In desperation or for safety, the defence will clear the ball
‘‘Clear it’’

Question 6

Pick him out

Answer 6

When a player is looking to play a difficult or long pass we will say ‘pick him out’
The centre back picked him out a long pass

Question 7

Cover

Answer 7

The defender will cover the space behind

‘‘Cover me’’

Question 8

Switch play

Answer 8

To switch play is change from the left to the right as there is space on the other side
‘‘Switch’’ or ‘‘Switch play’’

Question 9

Post

Answer 9

He crossed to the front (first) / back (second) post

Question 10

First time (intention)

Answer 10

The left back crossed first time (intention) to…

Question 11

Cross

Answer 11

He crossed to…
He made a cross to…
A low cross…a high cross (to the back post)
He played a cross in front of the goal
He crossed it to the edge of the penalty area

Question 12

Pressing - Close the space

Answer 12

They are closing the space

They are shutting off the pass

Question 13

When attacking space

Answer 13

Dribbling forward into the space

Driving forward into space