Part VII: How to beat Perak – Paralyze their feeders

I have highlighted this in Part II and I’m going to do it again here today since the great local coach who gave me this soccer tactical tip one time ago emphasized that this is the best way to contain and beat Perak soccer team.

How to beat 3-5-2 & 3-4-1-2 formations

If you have been following this incredible segment from the start, you ought to know that Perak adopts 3-5-2 and 3-4-1-2 formations this season. We have seen it in the current MSL 2007-2008 Super League and 2008 Malaysian FA Cup soccer tournaments. You also ought to know that Perak plays fluid soccer and relies heavily upon their midfielders to feed their centre forwards with goal scoring chances.

In order to beat Perak, the opposing team must contain and neutralize their midfielders, the source of all incoming feed for their two centre forwards. Take a look at the diagram shown down below.


The great local coach who shared this tip with me highlighted that Perak has 4 dangerous feeders (midfielders). Personally, I don’t find Ahmad Shahrul Azhar as dangerous but just listen to what this great local coach had to say. Ahmad Shahrul Azhar is a central midfielder that also acts as Perak’s attacking midfielder or third striker. The great local coach considers him a menace whenever he moves forward and assists centre forwards upfront. Like what I have said, I don’t find Ahmad Shahrul Azhar as dangerous but I do acknowledge the fact that he has the knack of creating delicate through passes that benefits centre forwards.

Perak also relies quite heavily on Hardi Jaafar. Hardi Jaafar has the incredible ability of delivering accurate long passes, long through passes and long balls to the centre forwards. He is Perak’s main weapon in launching fast counter attacks! As a Perak soccer fan, I’m in awed of his incredible ability, reminding me of Azizol Abu Hanifah, a legendary Perak soccer player in the late 80s.

To cut it short, to beat Perak the opposing team must paralyze their feeders/midfielders. Don’t expect me to explain how to do that, soccer coaches from the opposing teams should know what to do. Ask your midfielders to play physical soccer and steal possession of the ball early, from right in the center of the field. Control the center of the field and you will have Perak in your hands, wings clipped like a roasted duck.

By the way, don’t forget to tell your defenders to mark and shadow Perak‘s two centre forwards for the whole 90 minutes. They are not as dangerous, as fast or as prolific as Safee Sali of Selangor or Marlon Alex James of Kedah but they can score opportunistic goals in the penalty box area.

Good luck, soccer coaches out there!

Related Post:
  1. Part VI: How to beat Perak - Attack their weak spots and weakest links

Different Methods Of Defending in Soccer

Containing. When containing an attacker you must lower your center of gravity by bending your knees and leaning forward. Backpedal if the attacker moves sideways. Never face a dribbler straight on, because he will put the ball between your legs or he may run by you. You won't have the time to make a complete 180-degree turn. Instead, approach the ball carrier at a 45-degree angle forcing him towards the sideline. Be prepared to move laterally with your opponent, do not just lunge at him.

Block tackle. The block tackle is the most basic way of depleting an opponent of the ball. It is designed to give you possession while keeping you on your feet. Plant your supporting foot firmly so that you don't lose balance. Then, just as your opponent contacts the ball, you must put your free foot perpendicularly to the direction in which he is moving. If executed properly, this will cause your enemy to stumble or cough up the ball.

Poke tackle. With poke tackling, you basically stab the ball away from your opponent. You must use the foot which is closer to the ball. This method does not guarantee that you will gain possession of the ball.

Slide tackle. Although spectacular, slide tackling should not be used unless in desperation or when you're away from your own goal. It can also be very effective against opponents dribbling down the sideline or shielding the ball.

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