GeorgieWasTheBestThe video is from Australia-Netherlands game from last World Cup. You can see similar scenes in professional game day in day out.

What bothers me is how can you trust a linesman as your defending strategy? You might execute your trap perfectly but if the linesman does not pull the flag up, you are done. Refs and linesmen are notoriously bad at getting offside decissions right and yet teams rely on them when defending set pieces.

Anyone else thinking offside traps are inherently risky?

06.12.2008

Robert O'CarlosUndoubtedly risky. I don't think it's an argument for teams not continuing to play the offside trap though. It's part of the game and should be an available strategy to defenses. It's more an argument that we need to improve the referee's and linesmen's ability to get decisions right. Whether thats going back to the old simple offside rule or introducing more linesmen or technology I don't know.
Personally I think technology should be introduced for any contentious decision that leads to a goal, sending off or penalty. But it's unworkable except for the top leagues. Can't see many Blue Square teams shelling out for the technology needed.

07.12.2008

nvrTeams do not use this without consideration. You wouldn't see Arsenal doing this in a CL final. Likewise they wouldn't mind running the risk playing against Stoke City in Emirates.

07.12.2008

theformationnerd123Well, I Studied How Offside Trap is Played. now this Plan works when its an attacking play for the Opp. Team and when its an attackin play and when the Offside Trap is on the Deffensive line well be moved Forward for 2 seconds. and when they get forward. Maybe this Team will PLay from the Sides. In this case A Horrific Pass might Blow the Offside trap plan it might be a bad way for using this Game Plan. I also dont like the Offside Trap alot, you have to use Offside trap in the Right Time. i Played Offside Trap Before and its not that well.

07.12.2008