This post references the two international friendlies the U.S. had in England and the Netherlands, respectively, during the end of last year (2024). I think the ideas here are worth bringing forward, so I’m posting this to the blog. Thanks for reading!

After watching these two games, I came up with a recommendation for the USWNT; that all U.S. players should train the skillset of ball holding and ‘hold up’ play under pressure. For example, when some of our defenders tried to bring the ball forward into midfield to initiate an attack they were too easily shut down when they were pressed by the opposing team. What I would like to see from each member of our team is the ability to hold the ball under pressure and maintain a variety of attacking, passing, and defending options from this position. 

For example, what we see with the U.S. Midfield, e.g., Rose, Lindsay, Lily, Sam and Korbin. When these players are pressed they don’t immediately fold or backtrack. They manage the ball in a way that allows the attack to continue, instead of being stymied or ‘constipated,’ for lack of a better word.  

Additionally, I think that training to defend against this sort of hold up play is important, as well. For example, during the game against the Netherlands, I remember Tierna being undone and overtaken by a Dutch player’s effective use of hold up play in our own box which opened up a chance to a good shot on our goal. 

In conclusion, I think each USWNT player, and the overall team, should be able to both use hold up play as well as be able to defend against it. Moreover, the team should feel comfortable when being pressed and not feel like they are suffocated whenever it does happen. 

Cheers!