Steven Poacher – the dilemma for Tyrone

Stephen Cluxton

In his column in this week’s Gaelic Life, Steven Poacher writes about how teams must adapt to play different styles.

He argues against having rigid rules that demand 6 – 2 – 6, and prefers to explain how teams deal with the three areas of a football pitch, the defensive zone, the middle zone and the attacking zone.

“The advantage of turning the ball over in the attacking zone is that you are close to the opposition’s goal and normally with extreme pressure comes panic, and in the second half of our game on Monday night against Kilcoo, they decided to opt for this type of game. It was a low-risk option for them as they had an extra man at that stage.

“Of course the dangers of pressing high against any team is that your team are more vulnerable to a counter attack, and space is left behind in your defenisive zone, something teams like Dublin thrive on. It is a massive reason why teams are scared to press the Cluxton kick, and that is a huge dilemma for Tyrone this weekend.”

Poacher goes on to explain Tyrone’s strengths and why he thinks they can beat Dublin this weekend.

Read the full column in the current issue of Gaelic Life.