- Closing the ball/player/space is where you move towards the first defender
- If you see the first defender is closing the ball, move towards them so you can support and cover behind/beside them
- Try to be close enough where you can become the first defender if they are beaten, but not so close you may be beaten by a long touch
Why this is important
- Closing the space gives your first defender support, which may allow them to try and win the ball with a tackle
- It also reduces the space for their players to combine quickly with short passes