Weak side

How it is used

Weak describes its relation to the ball, not the quality of the players on that side.

Example sentences

1. Our winger waited on the weak side while the defenders crowded the ball.

   Distance from the ball can leave a receiver less closely watched.

2. The coach asked the far full-back to protect the weak side.

   The instruction preserves cover away from the immediate action.

Common collocations

• attack the weak side
• weak-side runner
• protect the weak side

Related terms

• crossA pass from the side of the pitch into the penalty area, aimed at a teammate who can head or shoot. As a verb, to cross means to deliver such a pass.
• formationThe way a team arranges its outfield players on the pitch, written as numbers from defence to attack, such as 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

More terms: Formations & Tactics

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