The negation of the winger's contribution can constitute part of an overall team defending tactic of reducing the number of crosses delivered into the defending team's penalty box.
Individual defensive tactics are based on players' skills in reading the game, positioning, marking, and challenging for the ball. For example, if a very quick and left-footed opponent operates on the left flank, a right fullback may, by his positioning, prevent the winger from progressing with the ball between the defender and the touchline. He directs the winger infield to prevent him from immediately using his left foot to cross the ball. The positioning of the fullback's feet and body when the winger receives the ball will largely influence the direction in which the winger moves. With a right-footed winger on the left flank, the same principles apply, but the intention of the fullback is now to prevent the opponent from coming infield and perhaps attacking the central areas of the defense. The fullback will push the winger outside so he has to operate near to the touchline in a reduced space. This simple individual defending tactic can reduce the winger's effectiveness. The negation of the winger's contribution can constitute part of an overall team defending tactic of reducing the number of crosses delivered into the defending team's penalty box.