mario

4-4-2
Defense;

4, defenders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and outside right.
The most recent idea is to have them lined up in a banana shape with the middle of the curve closest to the goalkeeper and the outside defenders, the points, slightly ahead but behind the midfielders.
As this is the shape of a banana the defenders can see one another usualy all the time.

Some considered the flat back option but this means much more communication from the capitain of the defense usually one of the insiders.
The general idea is to have the two defenders attend to the attack coming in from their side.

This means that the opposite outside tucks in a little to cover the center of the field covering the goal and any incoming additional attacking opponents.
When the team has possession the defenders would then play wide to stretch out the other teams attackers.
This is also known as playing it around the back.

Sometimes the defenders can be lined up in a diamond shape. This is to utilize the last player back as a "sweeper" who clears the ball up the field and out to the other defenders and mid fielders.
This player is in constant communication with the goalkeeper and relays the message to the other defenders. This is because the goalkeepers can see the complete field from their vantage point.

At times and in some cases too often this central defender will by-pass the midfield and play it up to the forwards. I say too often because this usually has the forwards out numbered by the opposing defenders.. However there are a few "power forwards" who could handle this situation, but most are unable too.

The defender at the top of the diamond is considered the "stopper" whose duty is to challenge any attack or attacking play. They usually play from side to side rather than up and down the field.
These defenders are involved in shutting down any play and play making.
These players really read the game well. They need to, or they would be doing all the running.

Midfield

4, mid-fielders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and outside right.
The outside players are called, wingers or flank players and are also involved in striking at the goal.
This would make this line up have a possibility of 4 strikers at any given time.
These wingers usually have the bulk of the running to do as they could carry the ball from the defending third and into the attacking third.
This also depends on the team strategy as outlined by the coaching staff.

The two inside midfielders are supposed to be the "play makers". These are the individuals who are responsible for carrying out the plans the coach and players have designed and used as the methods of attack and goal scoring.
These positions have traditionally played these roles. However nowadays the play making comes from anyone and sometimes all the players at any given time.
These inside players have also been more defensive in their general on field play.
This defensive idea is to stop the opposition from creating attacking options.

Forwards;

These are the main ggoooooooooooalll scoring machines. The ones who react to the ball quickly and are able to shoot from any place on the field.
To be effective they should work closely together as a team and pair. To this extent they are sometimes called "twin strikers".
They are also responsible for creating space by making the defenders mark them.
They make the defense leave their zonal resposibilities whereby taking them "out of the game".

# posted by 27164 : 11:56 PM  0 comments

players are hitting the ball further than ever and there seems to be no limit to the distance that balls travel these days.

The likes of Bubba Watson and John Daly are making the old 240 yard drive look like a wedge from a perfect lie.

Yes, technology makes for more distance. The golf ball just travels further end extensive research into dimple patterns and ball construction has the inevitable result of more distance.

Manufacturers have changed the lofts on sets of clubs and sell that off as extra distance. Why? Because distance sells like nothing else! Everybody, even the tour pros want an extra ten yards.

The impact on golf courses and course design is enormous. Courses are being lengthened, the rough is longer and tougher, and greens are super fast and not receptive at all. Just watch the majors!

So what is the next big thing in golf? What is going to distinguish the individual from the pack? Can the local club golfer benefit from this as well? They do make up the bulk of sales anyway!

Chances are that it will be the diet. Yes, THE diet. Gary Player was most probably the first tour player who seriously worked out in a gym. These days mobile gyms are following the tour.

Then came technology and everybody jumped on the bandwagon to maintain a portion of this lucrative market. The positive side to that is that it makes it easier for the average player to start end to enjoy the game more with more forgiving clubs and some extra distance.

That is why the next big thing in golf just might be a proper, balanced diet. The demands on physical fitness and mental stamina on the major tours is increasing by the day. Physical training and fitness can only be successful when combined with a well-managed diet. We also know that 95% if the reasons for visits to the doctor can be related to what we eat - need I say more?

Now that you have revisited your membership at the local health club and spent your earnings on the latest technology, have a serious look at what you eat, and DO NOT forget to drink 1 to 2 liters of water every day!

The benefits of a proper diet and exercise with sufficient water are just too much to go into now. This just might be the next big thing in golf and life in general.

To your health!

The gym phase is a given, technology is advancing rapidly, and the diet will make a difference in the demands of the professional golf circuits.

Corrie Nel is a golf fanatic and former club captain. Find out how to lengthen your drives and lower your scores at:

www.sportatlas.com (Please use ID 1536)

# posted by 27164 : 7:10 PM  0 comments

Grimsby Town are the new leaders of League Two after beating Boston United 1-0 at Blundell Park. Michael Reddys goal after 72 minutes was enough to secure the Mariners second win in a row at odds of 9/10.

Last weeks leaders Carlisle United were held to a tense goalless draw at promotion rivals Leyton Orient. Draw backers could have got on at 23/10 with Carlisle now two points behind Grimsby.

Third placed Wycombe Wanderers fought back from two goals down at home to draw 2-2 with relegation strugglers Mansfield Town. Jon Olav-Hjelde and Richie Barker put the Stags 2-0 ahead after 33 minutes, but goals from Tommy Mooney and Stefan Oakes denied an unlikely 9/2 away victory.

Northampton Town squandered the chance to move in to the top three by losing 3-1 at Cheltenham Town. Steve Guinan, Kayode Odejayi and JJ Melligan ensured a home win at 6/4.

Rushden & Diamonds refuse to go down without a fight and Petr Miklondas 30 yard strike gave them all three points against Notts County. Barry Hunters side, 8/5 on the day, have lost just one of their last five games.

Bottom club Stockport County also earned a vital win at faltering Chester City. Liam Dickinson broke the deadlock for County after 76 minutes but Ryan Lowe equalised for City five minutes later. With the match heading for a draw Dickinson grabbed the vital 5/2 winner a minute from time to keep the Hatters just one point from safety.

Meanwhile, Torquay United remain in deep trouble after losing 2-0 at Lincoln City. Scott Kerr after 12 minutes and a last minute goal from Jeff Hughes secured a 5/6 win for the Imps.

Macclesfield Town vs Wrexham, Rochdale vs Barnet and Bury vs Oxford were all called off due to frozen pitches.

# posted by 27164 : 6:44 AM  0 comments