Cover shadow

How it is used

A player uses a cover shadow by pressing at an angle that also blocks a passing route.

Example sentences

1. Her cover shadow prevented the goalkeeper from passing to the holding midfielder.

   The presser blocks a second option while approaching the ball.

2. Our midfielder stepped out of the cover shadow to become available.

   Moving sideways restores a direct route between passer and receiver.

Common collocations

• use a cover shadow
• escape the cover shadow
• press with a cover shadow

Related terms

• pressingA tactic in which players close down opponents quickly to win the ball back, often high up the pitch near the opponents' goal.
• passA kick, header or throw that sends the ball to a teammate. As a verb, to pass means to send the ball to a teammate in this way.

More terms: Formations & Tactics

• formation
• line-up
• counter-attack
• possession
• high line
• marking
• offside trap
• park the bus
• mid-block
• double pivot
• half-space
• rest defence