Our Game Model
Preface: Our game model provides a fun, aggressive, and proactive style of soccer that helps all players develop well-rounded soccer skills, which allow them to adapt to other playing models. Our game model prepares our players for future playing opportunities singular methods of play cannot offer. Our playing model requires the following core values be met on a daily basis for optimal execution: • Respect – of coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, parents, the club, and the game • Discipline – Follow the game model – execute what we train, in games; do the little things well and create habits of excellence • Grit – compete to overcome the days adversity to win the game without neglecting our other core values – Respect & Discipline
Our Game Model
Preface: Our Model has specific objectives for each Phases of Play: Attack – Organized, structured build-up that creates freedom in attacking 3rd Transition to Defense – Counter-Press and Recovery of shape Defending – Block defense when necessary (numbers behind the ball) Transition to Attack – Fast Counter-Attacks that convert into a build-up when momentum is lost
Our Game Model
Preface: Coaches are given flexibility within our game model for training objectives and in-game adjustments including systems of play. Herein lies the brilliance of the game model – a holistic approach to the game and development that maintains the autonomy coaches need to succeed. For example purposes, all diagrams reflect a 4-3-3 system of play.
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Defending
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Defending
Key Tactics:
1. Block defense with lines of 4 or 5 • •
Create a block that is difficult to penetrate Play a 4-5 or a 5-4 depending upon opponent’s strengths & situation
2. All players defend when not in possession • • •
Work as a team to be difficult to penetrate Setup Press to create pressure pockets and turnovers Requires maximum verbal and nonverbal communication
3. Center forward stays high to channel opponent’s possession and for an outlet • Guides play to strategic positions like weakest passers • Sets up as immediate outlet either coming back to ball or looking to get behind and exploit spaces left by opponents (outside backs)
4. Use of Counter-Press once we lose possession • Nearest players press to disrupt decision making and create turnovers
Our Game Model
Key Principles 1. Pressure – 1st defenders role a. Press – aggressive movement toward opponent in possession with aim of disrupting decision making and creating turnovers b. Delay – form of pressure where 1st defender attempts to slow down opponent’s attack so teammates can recover shape 2. Recover(y) – sprint to central areas behind the ball 3. Cover -2nd defender roles: support 1st defender should they get beat, take away (cover) dangerous space, track 2nd attacker 4. Balance – 3rd defender roles: Take away (cover) dangerous space, track 3rd attacker 5. Compactness – grouping of defenders close together in central spaces with the aim of denying penetration through each other 6. Marking – to play man-to-man with an opponent, positioning oneself touch tight and goal-side and following the opponent everywhere 7. Tracking - to maintain awareness of an opponent’s position and position oneself to pressure them should they get the ball
Our Game Model Setting Up the Press Draw line of confrontation at the wisest position on the field that creates the greatest chance of success • 9 waits for optimal time to trigger press: o Must be close enough to press o Poor pass, backwards pass, back turned o Favorable numbers o `
Our Game Model Defensive Block: 1-5-4 • Back 4 stays compact and ball side, generally within the width of the 18 • 11 & 7 drop and form the line of 5 in the midfield group • 6, 8, and 10 form the base of the midfield line • 9 stays high, presses the opponent’s 6 when in possession and provides outlet for immediate counter-attack • Specific to ball in central channel
Our Game Model Defensive Block: 1-4-5 • When ball goes into flanks, ball side winger, drops to join the outside back in defending. • Near side Center Back covers • 6 drops into a CB position making 5 across the back • 8 & 10 towards the ball as does the weak side winger • 9 stays high looks for outlet into vacated channel
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Transition to Attack
Our Game Model
Key Tactics: 1. Counter-Attack quickly • #9 anticipate turnovers & exploit vacated spaces • First pass forward (if possible) • Wingers & attacking midfielders join attack at speed • 6 & Back line step to maintain shape and create defensive structure for Counter-Press
2. Convert to Build Up if counter loses momentum •
More than 1 square/negative passes
Our Game Model Keys to Success: • #9 should position on CBs shoulders • Pull CB away from space wanting to attack before turnover
2 Options to play: 1. Into #9’s feet – layoff to MF facing forward • Must hold ball up • Attacking Midfielders join to get next pass • (#8 and #10 in diagram) 2. Into space vacated by opponent’s attacking fullback • #9 attacks space with run (and pass) • Attackers join and attack weak sides (#7 in diagram)
Our Game Model Maintaining Attacking Shape • Near side outside back moves into support position • 6 moves into support position behind line of ball – looks to switch play • Remaining players step to maintain support positions and create numbers around the ball to setup a Counter-Press/Recovery
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Attack
Our Game Model Key Tactics:
Phase of Play: Attack
1. Build attacks from the back • • •
Bring opponents to us, opening space behind them Expansive team shape Several options/methods to build attack
2. Central midfielders organize and create attacks • • • •
Central space is most dangerous & most valuable to control Combinations through central channel Going around central channel - width Bypassing Midfielders (then back to them)
3. Freedom in the Attacking third • • • •
Penetrate using several ways; unpredictable Crossing and finishing Combination play in all 3 channels 1v1s in all 3 channels
4. Balanced shape with numbers around the ball •
Create a defensive structure for counter-press in the event of turnovers
Our Game Model
Key Principles 1. Purposeful play – every touch has an objective, every movement off the ball has an objective. Move the ball to move defenders 2. Support – Passing options; 2-3 at all times created from having good width and depth 3. Width – from sideline-to-sideline, to make the field as big as possible and spread opponents out across the field 4. Depth - from end line-to end line, to spread opponents out between the goals 5. Mobility – coordinated, collective movement in defensive and middle 3rds; freedom in the attacking 3rd 6. Rhythmic speed of play – controlling the game, changing the speed of play, and using the “foot on the ball” to pause play
Our Game Model
Key Principles Continued… 7. Superiority – moments of clear advantage to look for, create, and find: 3 types of Superiority 1. Numerical – creating and exploiting overloads • 2v1s • 3v2s 2. Positional – getting into advantageous positions • Vertically– on opponents shoulders, between opponents vertical lines • Horizontally – between or behind opponents lines of pressure. Ex. Between opponents forward and midfield lines • Positional Superiority tends to create Numerical Superiority 3. Qualitative – finding and exploiting favorable matchups • Advantageous 1v1s in key areas • Penetration via passing and moving with speed mismatch
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Numerical Superiority – • 2v1s & 3v2s created by players joining attack Common scenarios: • #2 and #3 in wide areas • Overlapping • Underlapping
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Numerical Superiority – • 2v1s & 3v2s created by players joining attack Common scenarios: • #10 and #8 running behind & blind side of marker
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Positional Superiority – Getting between opponents horizontal lines of pressure: • Causes defensive imbalance – opponents must decide who steps, leaving space open to exploit • Key task of central midfielders o Attacking midfielders – get behind opponent’s midfield line o Defensive midfielders – get between opponent’s midfield and forward lines
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Positional Superiority – Getting between opponents vertical lines of pressure: • Penetration opportunity for 1st attacker (#8) • Causes indecision in opponent’s defensive structure – Will MF recover or will CB step? • Not as advantageous as getting behind lines, but still very useful position
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Positional Superiority – Playing on Opponent’s Shoulders • Provides a head start to the ball without being offsides • Great position to cue/ receive a (early) cross • Creates indecision by opponent’s back line
Our Game Model
Key Principle: Superiority Qualitative Superiority – Favorable 1v1s • Typically seen in flanks • May change throughout course of match: • Injuries • Substitutions • Tactical shifts • Key objective of the #9 – find the favorable matchup (with CBs)
Our Game Model
Stages of Attack: Build Up Build Up Stage Objective: bring opponent’s to us, then exploit space behind them. Requires expanded attacking shape on goal kicks and punts Several build up variations • Option 1: play CBs or DM • Used when opponents have low line of confrontation • CBs or DM look to commit opponent before passing
Our Game Model
Stages of Attack: Build Up Build Up Stage If pressed on first pass: • Use Goalkeeper in possession. • Look to switch play or play longer pass to bypass the press • Target wide areas to stretch opponent’s defensive shape • Immediate support needed at target player
Our Game Model
Stages of Attack: Build Up Build Up Stage If pressed at outset • Look to play longer pass to bypass the press • Target wide areas to stretch opponent’s defensive shape • Immediate support needed at target player
Our Game Model
Stages of Attack: Build Up Build Up Stage If pressed at outset with no clear option • Look to play longer pass to bypass the press • Before playing, move team into compact shape around center circle • Objective to win 1st and 2nd ball, establish possession and shape, then build attack
Our Game Model
Using Midfield(ers) – Peeling Off Movements Midfield Stage Objective: to get Attacking Midfielders on ball facing forward in central channel Method #1: CM Peeling off marker • Goal is to get behind mark • Key moment – opponent looks away • Most effective going against flow (opposite direction of movement) • Fundamental movement for CMs
Our Game Model
Using Midfield(ers) – Combos through Midfielders Midfield Stage Objective: to get Attacking Midfielders on ball facing forward in central channel Method #2: Combo play through Midfielders • Coordinated movements • Verbal & Nonverbal cues • Quick speed of play required • Tires opponent’s midfielders • Exploits opponent’s midfielders who do not defend
Our Game Model
Using Midfield(ers) – Going Around the Center Midfield Stage Objective: to get Attacking Midfielders on ball facing forward in central channel Method #3: Going around central channel • Play through wide players • Stretches opposition shape
Our Game Model
Using Midfield(ers) – Bypassing Midfield Midfield Stage Objective: to get Attacking Midfielders on ball facing forward in central channel Method #4: Bypass Midfielders & play into 9 • Plays opposition out quickly • Layoff to CM facing forward between lines
Our Game Model
Using Midfield(ers) – as Decoy for Long Diagonal Midfield Stage Objective: to attack opponent’s weak side quickly Method #5: Use as Decoy to setup long diagonal switch • Plays opposition out quickly • Isolates 1v1 in dangerous position • Stretches opposition
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Transition to Defense
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Key Tactics: Counter-Press and Recovery of Block Shape •
Nearest player, press the ball
•
2nd closest player, press the space (passing lanes)
•
3rd closest, press the man; cues to 2nd closest player to do the same
•
4th player create overload, look to intercept outlet/escape pass
•
Remaining players drop, recover shape – prepare the block
Our Game Model
Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Key Principles 1. Counter-Press/Pressure (Immediate) – Create pressure pockets with a fast aggressive press, controlled posture, and patience in tackling 2. Communication – verbal and nonverbal to direct 3rd and 4th closest players to create pressure pockets and remaining players anticipate/read possible outcomes and play proactively 3. Recovery – counter-pressing players work to recover ball; “uninvolved” players away from ball, work to recover defensive shape (block)
Our Game Model Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Counter Pressing – Role #1: Press the ball • Nearest player (likely the one who lost possession) presses the ball • Objective is to disrupt opponent’s decision making • Force head down • Trigger for players behind the ball: o 2nd closest, press space/man o 3rd closest, press man o Defensive line/6 coordinate interception • Remaining players, recover to goal, begin forming “block”
Our Game Model Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Counter Pressing – Role #2: Press Space (passing lanes) • 2nd closest player • Objective is to prepare for/disrupt next pass • By oneself – attempt to take away multiple options • Trigger for players behind the ball: o 3rd closest, press man (communicate) o Defensive line/6 coordinate interception • Remaining players, recover to goal, begin forming “block”
Our Game Model Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Counter Pressing – Role #3: Press man (man-to-man) • 3rd closest player • Objective is to prepare for/steal next pass • Cues (communicates) to 2nd defender to also press man • Trigger for players behind the ball: o Defensive line/6 coordinate interception • Remaining players, recover to goal, begin forming “block”
Our Game Model Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Counter Pressing – Role #4: Press Passing Lane (Escape lanes) • Overload around ball – all opponent’s marked • Free man looks to intercept • Steal the escape pass • Remaining players, recover to goal, begin forming “block”
Our Game Model Phase of Play: Transition to Defense Counter Pressing – Role #5: Recover Block Shape
• “Uninvolved” players – those away from area of immediate impact, recover to goal, begin forming “block” • Take up places of vacated players if necessary (central areas)
Our Game Model
Summary: Our Game Model promotes holistic player development in a fun, aggressive, and proactive method of play. Within our game model coaches have the autonomy necessary to achieve maximum success. Having this tactical flexibility to adjust while staying within the game model allows us to maintain our identity as a club and create a tradition of success. As with all game models, ours remains in a constant state of evolution. When new tactics and strategies develop, we will add or adjust our game model as necessary while never neglecting the overall goal of maximizing player potential.