HOW DO WE ATTACK?

An overview of attacking principles

GENERAL APPROACH TO ATTACKING

Everyone is an Attacker

Get the right ball to the right player

THE GOAL OF EACH ATTACK IS TO CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE GREAT SHOTS! A GREAT SHOT IS = IN RANGE, WITH TIME & SPACE TO EXECUTE

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO TAKES THE GREAT SHOT - IT IS OUR JOB AS A TEAM TO GET SOMEONE IN THE RIGHT PLACE WITH THE BALL TO EXECUTE

Below are general things we are going to do to achieve this:

1. Create a lot of space between full-forward line and half-forward line

2. We will generally play with 2 inside – i.e. corner-forward moves into mid-field

3. The two remaining full-forward players position themselves close to goal, roughly in front of each upright.

4. Attacking players play a diagonal/down the line low ball into the spaces in front of the oncoming forward.

5. Inside forwards have two options in possession: (1) to take on their opponent 1:1 (2) identify support coming from mid-field and pass off to an oncoming player to score.

6. Half-forwards and mid-fielders follow in after a pass has been sent into the inside forwards; they should be expecting to get a return pass.

Creating space in front of opposition goal:

1. Two full-forwards remain close to goal, ready to sprint to a ball played to either wing.

2. Wing-forwards + our third mid-fielder move out into midfield area and draw their markers out with them.

3. Centre-forward stays central and ‘entertains’ the centre-back who most likely, will remain in position.

4. There may also be an opposition sweeper in that area.

Time your run:

The second part of the plan is the movement of the inside forwards. The critical thing for the inside forwards is the timing of their run. They need to be patient, hold their position until the space is created on the wings and the attackers are ready to play the ball into the space in front. The key is to try not to be in the space before the ball is played. Hold your run to the last moment otherwise you will have the defender all over you. Inside forwards can move left or right.

Quality of the ball in:

We are a fast team - our game plan takes advantage of this. We want to beat players out in front with fast ball rather than creating 50/50 aerial battle. Loopy balls into the square are most often dealt with well by defenders.

Full forward in possession:

The inside forward once possession is won has two options: (1) either take on the marker and go for a score herself or (2) look for support from the on-rushing attackers and lay-off a good pass.

Red zone:

We define the ‘red-zone’ as the area around the goal where a ground-pull can score a goal. However, a breaking-ball around the red-zone should be followed in by the corner forwards and pulled on first time. You can ‘play-the-stick’ in camogie – make sure that the full-backs are aware of your pulling on high balls coming in!

Opening up the attack:

There will be times in a game where our mid-fielder or half-forward has won possession 45m out and can solo directly on the opposition goal. To allow the player through the central channel, Dublin attackers should move to positions that are more dangerous for the backs i.e. the backs need to have to make a decision either to meet the on-rushing attacker or to mark their opposite number. Moving towards the D or towards goal is not the right option. Take a position moving away from the goal so the defender has difficulty knowing where you are and has to think about whether to go to the ball or to mark you - open the space for the ongoing attacker.

General Rules for attackers:

1. Support the players around you when in attack; find a position where the Dublin player in possession has an option to lay off the ball to you.

2. Practise scoring goals especially in training: goals scored in Camogie are critical and turn games; when you have even half a chance, don’t turn down the opportunity.

3. Attackers should be constantly on the move when an attack is on. Try not to be ‘touch-tight’ with your opposite number - the defender needs to have to look for you.

4. All 5 attackers should be comfortable to move into any position in the forward line. Corner-backs generally don’t like being moved to full-back, full-backs don’t like the corner. Same with half-backs. So, move them around. Take different positions in the forwards. Be comfortable in any position.

5. Move the ball quickly, don’t solo unless you need to find space, soloing slows up the play and allows the opposition defence to adjust and close down space for the Dublin attackers.

6. Always be in front, never behind; when you play in front you are first to the ball, you can easily be seen by an outfield player, you are dominating possession; if you come out to a ball in front, the chances are you will win the ball - or a free. First-touch of course is a necessity together with a confidence in yourself to win that ball.

7. Re-set: after an attack, half-forwards and mid-fielders must sprint back into midfield.

8. Watch the ball always. Never turn your back on a puck-out, a side-line or a free.