In praise of the long ball

[FindernRam]

There are some on this site who think that any forward pass ove 6 feet (2 metres) is a betrayal of the beautiful game.
Watching the totally insipid England game the other night it was obvious the only excitement came from long passes.

There is something magical about a perfectly filghted 60 yard ball into the path of an onrushing striker who splits the defence and is through on goal.
Or the attacker who takes a ball down with wonderful skill by chest or foot then beats the defender. Both scenarios result in goal mouth action.

Contrast that with a series of 5 yard passes my mother could make or receive (She is 93) that are mainly in our own half whilst the defence gets into its 2 banks of four thus stifling any attempt on goal.

I know which I would rather watch.

Hoofball the hit and hope strategy I agree is bad but Derby are better than that.

[AnagRam]

Completely agree Findern. Would never advocate 'hoofball' but sides that can mix up the more intricate passing game with a beautifully flighted long ball for a pacey striker to run onto are a joy to watch imo.

[AngryRam]

Nothing worse in football than an aimless long ball to nobody... Nothing better in football than a 50 yarder onto someone's run.

It's all about knowing when to play it.

[ramspride]

We've only got Bucko who can deliver that wonderful long ball.

[swaledale]

We've only got Bucko who can deliver that wonderful long ball.

Really?????

[ManxRam]

Thorne certainly capable of a good long ball as are Bryson, Butterfield, Hendrick and one or two others. As Angry said it's about picking the right pass at the right moment. Bryson's crossfield pass to Ince at Brighton the stand out pass of the season in my opinion.

[AngryRam]

Thorne certainly capable of a good long ball as are Bryson, Butterfield, Hendrick and one or two others. As Angry said it's about picking the right pass at the right moment. Bryson's crossfield pass to Ince at Brighton the stand out pass of the season in my opinion.

Russell to Martin at Preston for me...

[ManxRam]

I actually thought about that one afterwards and adds another to the list!

[KingCharlieGeorge]

As a couple have already said it's not a short or long ball game per se, it's about playing the right pass at the right time, with concentration on retaining possession and aiming to produce something positive from the move. Our problem is not achieving the latter very often.

[mistaram]

Findern Take it you don't like ****nal then they have played that way for years McLaren got us to Wembley playing it but get your point nice to swee it mixed up a bit there are many ways to ways to win a match