Playing Along the Touchline
How to Play Soccer on the Outside
Ask any soccer player, and they'll tell you that the game takes on a completely different dynamic from the inside, out to the flank.
It takes a special type of player and a unique set of skills to have success on the touchline. Regardless of the formation, a player must know how to properly put his abilities on the wing to use.
First, a player is almost always going to be on the side of his predominant foot. In other words, if a player is right footed, he'll be on the right touchline and if he's left footed, he'll be on the left.
It is important, however, for a winger to be proficient with his non-predominant foot. If a player is right footed, coaches should encourage him to use his left while against the touchline, and vice versa.
Using only one foot makes a player one dimensional, and while this may be the same in the middle of the field, a player can easily get hemmed in between a defensive player and the sideline.
To avoid being predictable, a player needs to be able to use both feet.
When to Attack
A winger or outside midfielder will always play a huge role in a team's attacking game. No matter the style of play, a team will need to stretch the field horizontally, before they can open up space for vertical runs.
A player on the touchline must be sure to know when to make runs, when to send players on long runs, when to play the ball back to the defense or into the middle, or when to try to create something themselves.
The most talented teams can get tripped up by making the wrong decision when entering the attacking third of the field.
A touchline player needs to be able to "quarterback" the play from the wing and let his teammates react based on what he does.
There will be times when a wing player will be making runs, but there needs to be space, and an opportunity to challenge the defense's back line.
Seeing the Field
One of the most challenging things about playing on the outside is the fact that you only have three directions to go.
However, as a result, an outside midfielder or flanker has the opportunity to see the whole field.
The decision to attack or play for possession is often made by the players on the outside, because they can see all viable options.
Coaches must teach their players to open up their stances on the outside, so they are able to be facing as much as the field as possible.
This will allow players to make the best decisions in the shortest span of time.
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