In recent years there has been a lot made of the value of pressing defense in soccer at the high school level. The basic idea is to decrease the space / time an opponent has to play in. The thought behind this is to increase the rate of decision making and force the opponent from his comfort zone. If successful, the opponents should make more mistakes including turning the ball over more. In a sense, it is a strategy of defending to attack. In can also serve to change the tempo of a game.
The pressing strategy does not come without risk though. The backs in a zonal defense cannot step unless first in proper shape to support. A back stepping before shape is established is a recipe for disaster and will often result in opponents breaking through, a collapsed defense and lead to defenders running at their own goal. So obviously effective communication is a necessity to pressure properly. Keeping with our examples of backs in a zonal stepping to pressure the ball it must be a collective decision for an individual back to step. That decision has to be made and called by support players responsible for protecting the pressure defender.
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Showing posts with label Distributions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Distributions. Show all posts
Tuesday
Center Backs, Positions #4 & #5 in the 1-4-2-3-1
Other articles in this series:
The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder
The Central Midfield Triangle
We will continue looking at the spine of the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 formations by examining the role of the center backs. The spine of the formation is often where the teams best players are found and certainly where the players who play best together are clustered. Today we look at the center backs, positions #4 and #5.
The technical considerations for the center back positions are a bit more specialized than those of midfielders especially in a zonal defending system of play. Center backs must be able to head the ball with authority and in congestion. First touch must be excellent in terms of getting a solid touch on the ball. Being able to control the ball with the first touch is, obviously, preferred but clearing the ball by volley or half volley can be equally important for backs.
Tactically center backs must game watchers so they can position themselves and teammates properly. Communication with other backs and midfielders is essential. Center backs need to be quick, decisive and aggressive decision makers. While it is important to play in a safe and secure manner, this must be done with an aggressive ball winning attitude. Distribution skills are important and highly prized.
Physically we like center backs to be rugged individuals. Height is a plus. Explosiveness in terms of jumping ability and overall power are necessary. Strength. These players are the wall in between the ball and goalkeeper / the face of the goal. Not every center back need be a speed demon, but at least one of the two needs to possess above average speed.
Psychologically these players need to have a warrior mentality. They are defenders of the goal and take great pride in executing their role to perfection by combining physical strength and mental strength. The center backs need to very disciplined in preserving the integrity of the position and especially supportive of the back on either side of him. Being considered trustworthy in the eyes of his fellow backs is mandatory.
The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder
The Central Midfield Triangle
We will continue looking at the spine of the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 formations by examining the role of the center backs. The spine of the formation is often where the teams best players are found and certainly where the players who play best together are clustered. Today we look at the center backs, positions #4 and #5.
The technical considerations for the center back positions are a bit more specialized than those of midfielders especially in a zonal defending system of play. Center backs must be able to head the ball with authority and in congestion. First touch must be excellent in terms of getting a solid touch on the ball. Being able to control the ball with the first touch is, obviously, preferred but clearing the ball by volley or half volley can be equally important for backs.
Tactically center backs must game watchers so they can position themselves and teammates properly. Communication with other backs and midfielders is essential. Center backs need to be quick, decisive and aggressive decision makers. While it is important to play in a safe and secure manner, this must be done with an aggressive ball winning attitude. Distribution skills are important and highly prized.
Physically we like center backs to be rugged individuals. Height is a plus. Explosiveness in terms of jumping ability and overall power are necessary. Strength. These players are the wall in between the ball and goalkeeper / the face of the goal. Not every center back need be a speed demon, but at least one of the two needs to possess above average speed.
Psychologically these players need to have a warrior mentality. They are defenders of the goal and take great pride in executing their role to perfection by combining physical strength and mental strength. The center backs need to very disciplined in preserving the integrity of the position and especially supportive of the back on either side of him. Being considered trustworthy in the eyes of his fellow backs is mandatory.
Wednesday
Evolution in Soccer - the Linking Mid
In camp settings I strive to impress upon players and coaches alike that soccer is a living breathing entity. As such, the game is constantly changing. The easiest way to depict this is to note how the diamond stopper / sweeper system has faded away with the advent of zonal defending concepts. Yet even as you read this the standard zonal systems are being solved - the game is further evolving.
Teams that played a zonal back four utilized the backs to execute changes of field and often did so with little pressure from opposing forwards. That is, until it was discovered that two, and at times one, opposing forward could disrupt this process. This especially holds true when the outside backs are played advanced in a bowl configuration.
In this regard we have witnessed a zonal back four and the then standard 4-4-2 formation devolve back to 4-3-3 and then evolve into hybrid 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations. Triangle, diamond and box midfields have once again become the norm. It is within the triangle and diamond midfields in particular that the Linking Midfielder role has been (re)established.
The term "linking midfielder" might be new to you but I hardly think I have coined a new descriptive term. This is a defensive mid or holding mid with a more specifically (and broader) role defined. In many ways it is the re-emergence of the Stopper role. Defensively the Linking Mid is charged with protecting the back line and the specifically the center backs. The attacking role for the Linking Mid is as the name infers - to link the back four with the midfielders and forwards. Distributing the ball, changing field and playing teammates in is a critical role for the position. So too is the ability to make foraging runs into the attack.
My teams often refer to this position as the Michael Bradley role. This is true when Bradley is deployed as the defensive or linking mid. He "sits" in an advanced position between the center backs and is used to split the afore mentioned opposing forward(s) who would otherwise disrupt the backs ability to move the ball laterally across the back. By doing so, the back line can continue to function in a forward bowl shape instead of being forced to withdraw the outside backs to provide the depth necessary to defeat the opposing forwards pressure. The linking mid creates a 5 vs 2 (or 3) situation in your favor.
In some ways delegating 5 players to defeat one, two or three might seem a waste of resources, but the linking mid allows the outside backs to come forward and that is the key to creating numbers up situations for your team to exploit in the attack.
This is the key to understanding how soccer evolves - Deployment of resources seeks to create numbers up advantages. The zonal four has had numerical advantages in defending for some time now. This created a real need to get more players forward into the attack. The solution has been to use outside backs to come forward. This can create even numbers for attacking and even give the attackers a man advantage dependent on the manner and timing of deploying the outside back.
The next phase of evolution? Given many teams are going to one traditional forward combining with a false nine I would suspect there could be a move to playing a back 3 instead of a back four. This is not a huge leap if we consider the current bowl configuration of back lines which might be better depicted as 2-3-4-1 or 2-4-3-1 formations. The strength remains down the spine of the pitch and I do not foresee that ever changing. The goals are located along the central spine after all.
Teams that played a zonal back four utilized the backs to execute changes of field and often did so with little pressure from opposing forwards. That is, until it was discovered that two, and at times one, opposing forward could disrupt this process. This especially holds true when the outside backs are played advanced in a bowl configuration.
In this regard we have witnessed a zonal back four and the then standard 4-4-2 formation devolve back to 4-3-3 and then evolve into hybrid 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations. Triangle, diamond and box midfields have once again become the norm. It is within the triangle and diamond midfields in particular that the Linking Midfielder role has been (re)established.
The term "linking midfielder" might be new to you but I hardly think I have coined a new descriptive term. This is a defensive mid or holding mid with a more specifically (and broader) role defined. In many ways it is the re-emergence of the Stopper role. Defensively the Linking Mid is charged with protecting the back line and the specifically the center backs. The attacking role for the Linking Mid is as the name infers - to link the back four with the midfielders and forwards. Distributing the ball, changing field and playing teammates in is a critical role for the position. So too is the ability to make foraging runs into the attack.
My teams often refer to this position as the Michael Bradley role. This is true when Bradley is deployed as the defensive or linking mid. He "sits" in an advanced position between the center backs and is used to split the afore mentioned opposing forward(s) who would otherwise disrupt the backs ability to move the ball laterally across the back. By doing so, the back line can continue to function in a forward bowl shape instead of being forced to withdraw the outside backs to provide the depth necessary to defeat the opposing forwards pressure. The linking mid creates a 5 vs 2 (or 3) situation in your favor.
In some ways delegating 5 players to defeat one, two or three might seem a waste of resources, but the linking mid allows the outside backs to come forward and that is the key to creating numbers up situations for your team to exploit in the attack.
This is the key to understanding how soccer evolves - Deployment of resources seeks to create numbers up advantages. The zonal four has had numerical advantages in defending for some time now. This created a real need to get more players forward into the attack. The solution has been to use outside backs to come forward. This can create even numbers for attacking and even give the attackers a man advantage dependent on the manner and timing of deploying the outside back.
The next phase of evolution? Given many teams are going to one traditional forward combining with a false nine I would suspect there could be a move to playing a back 3 instead of a back four. This is not a huge leap if we consider the current bowl configuration of back lines which might be better depicted as 2-3-4-1 or 2-4-3-1 formations. The strength remains down the spine of the pitch and I do not foresee that ever changing. The goals are located along the central spine after all.
Combining Articles.
I am reposting this article as it contains links to three separate yet related articles whose importance will be magnified as we approach the "spring" season that begins in a months time. Lesson's learned are important and can be keys to our future success.
*****
I recently wrote and posted three articles that now relate well to one another. There was no intent for this to come about, but it has occurred to me that this is exactly what has happened..
Teamwork
What position do you play?
The view from the parent's sideline.
In Teamwork I wrote of how defending and passing are two ways to win over teammates new or familiar. In What position do you play? the focus was on playing wherever your team needed you to play. And in The view from the parent's sideline I celebrated an extraordinary tournament my youngest son enjoyed last weekend.
While enjoying a soak in the hot tub I found my mind drifting to recent events on the pitch when it struck me that Lance had followed the exact recipe for success laid out in the first two articles. As a guest player the team needed him to play as a defensive midfielder, a position he does not spend much time in on a regular basis. In The view from the parents sideline I marvel at the fact Lance factored in 11 of the 13 goals his guest team scored in winning the tournament title. He scored the first goal of the tournament which turned out to be the game winning goal in the first game. It was a blast from about 30 yards out. That goal made Lance legitimate in his new teammates eyes. The funny thing is Lance only took maybe 1 shot per game after that. He settled into holding the midfield (defending) which protected the 4 backs and distributing the ball (passing) that allowed the front 5 to score the goals. 10 assists in 4 games. His guest coach told Lance "we don't win this tournament without you." High praise indeed for someone playing a supporting role in an unfamiliar position, but that is the point afterall.
I am embarassed to admit that during the tournament I was wondering why Lance was not more assertive in taking shots. He made some penetrating runs with and without the ball but seemed to pass on some good looks at goal. In hindsight I now realize Lance deferred to his new teammates to score - a selfless act... and a brilliant one as well.
I have wondered if Lance was reading this blog. Maybe he did or perhaps he just figured things out on his own? I still don't know for sure, but am proud of his deportment even more so than his production and the team's results. He figured it all out at a younger age than I did. Well done!
*****
I recently wrote and posted three articles that now relate well to one another. There was no intent for this to come about, but it has occurred to me that this is exactly what has happened..
Teamwork
What position do you play?
The view from the parent's sideline.
In Teamwork I wrote of how defending and passing are two ways to win over teammates new or familiar. In What position do you play? the focus was on playing wherever your team needed you to play. And in The view from the parent's sideline I celebrated an extraordinary tournament my youngest son enjoyed last weekend.
While enjoying a soak in the hot tub I found my mind drifting to recent events on the pitch when it struck me that Lance had followed the exact recipe for success laid out in the first two articles. As a guest player the team needed him to play as a defensive midfielder, a position he does not spend much time in on a regular basis. In The view from the parents sideline I marvel at the fact Lance factored in 11 of the 13 goals his guest team scored in winning the tournament title. He scored the first goal of the tournament which turned out to be the game winning goal in the first game. It was a blast from about 30 yards out. That goal made Lance legitimate in his new teammates eyes. The funny thing is Lance only took maybe 1 shot per game after that. He settled into holding the midfield (defending) which protected the 4 backs and distributing the ball (passing) that allowed the front 5 to score the goals. 10 assists in 4 games. His guest coach told Lance "we don't win this tournament without you." High praise indeed for someone playing a supporting role in an unfamiliar position, but that is the point afterall.
I am embarassed to admit that during the tournament I was wondering why Lance was not more assertive in taking shots. He made some penetrating runs with and without the ball but seemed to pass on some good looks at goal. In hindsight I now realize Lance deferred to his new teammates to score - a selfless act... and a brilliant one as well.
I have wondered if Lance was reading this blog. Maybe he did or perhaps he just figured things out on his own? I still don't know for sure, but am proud of his deportment even more so than his production and the team's results. He figured it all out at a younger age than I did. Well done!
Monday
The False Nine
The False Nine is a center forward with a non-traditional role. The Nine position has long been defined by players who push high on the opponents backs looking to be played through for goal scoring opportunities. The advent of zonal defending has forced changes to the role and responsibilities of the Nine position. Today the False Nine typically plays a bit withdrawn, often back to goal and is tasked with diverting the opposing back lines attention from others making forward runs and distributing the ball to teammates This does not mean the False Nine is not a goal scorer, only that goal scoring opportunities for the position are generated differently than has been tradition. On my teams we refer to the Nine / False Nine as the Target Forward.
We expect our target forward to provide initial penetration by pushing opponents back toward their own goal, but instead of looking to be played through the primary reason is so the target forward can then check back to a ball played to his feet by a defender or midfielder. The traditional Nine would push opposing backs towards their own goal looking for the flighted dump and run service from backs or midfielders. The modern role for a center forward is to push the backs towards their own goal and then have them come back forward to defend against the False Nine receiving the ball at his feet.
As the ball is played to the feet of the False Nine and the opposing backs are stepping to meet that threat, wing forwards and mids, perhaps even a back are starting strong penetrating runs to be played through either directly by the False Nine or off a drop pass from the False Nine to a CM. The through ball, or dump and run, is still very much alive but its execution has been adapted to beat today's zonal defenses that have become far more common than the man-marking systems prevalent in days gone by.
I feel it important to note that a Target Forward does not present a stationary target. Rather the False Nine / Target Forward must be very active and have a high work rate. He must be in constant motion and vary his runs so as not to become predictable. In addition to "V" cuts that push defenders back before checking to the ball, bent runs back towards his midfield can also be employed. Sometimes the False Nine will drift to the weak side in order to check back to ball side. Other times he will move strong to ball side serving as much as a decoy as an actual target. Deception is very much a part of his game.
Once in possession of the ball his primary role is not to take on defenders to create goal scoring opportunities for himself but to continue engaging defenders to create opportunities to distribute the ball to teammates who then advance the ball. Think of it in this manner - the False Nine is a creative distributor in the middle third of the field, then in the final third he is on the receiving end of distributions for goal scoring opportunities from the player he has played through. Still a goal scorer but also a facilitator of the attack = The center forward / modern Nine / False Nine / Target Forward.
We expect our target forward to provide initial penetration by pushing opponents back toward their own goal, but instead of looking to be played through the primary reason is so the target forward can then check back to a ball played to his feet by a defender or midfielder. The traditional Nine would push opposing backs towards their own goal looking for the flighted dump and run service from backs or midfielders. The modern role for a center forward is to push the backs towards their own goal and then have them come back forward to defend against the False Nine receiving the ball at his feet.
As the ball is played to the feet of the False Nine and the opposing backs are stepping to meet that threat, wing forwards and mids, perhaps even a back are starting strong penetrating runs to be played through either directly by the False Nine or off a drop pass from the False Nine to a CM. The through ball, or dump and run, is still very much alive but its execution has been adapted to beat today's zonal defenses that have become far more common than the man-marking systems prevalent in days gone by.
I feel it important to note that a Target Forward does not present a stationary target. Rather the False Nine / Target Forward must be very active and have a high work rate. He must be in constant motion and vary his runs so as not to become predictable. In addition to "V" cuts that push defenders back before checking to the ball, bent runs back towards his midfield can also be employed. Sometimes the False Nine will drift to the weak side in order to check back to ball side. Other times he will move strong to ball side serving as much as a decoy as an actual target. Deception is very much a part of his game.
Once in possession of the ball his primary role is not to take on defenders to create goal scoring opportunities for himself but to continue engaging defenders to create opportunities to distribute the ball to teammates who then advance the ball. Think of it in this manner - the False Nine is a creative distributor in the middle third of the field, then in the final third he is on the receiving end of distributions for goal scoring opportunities from the player he has played through. Still a goal scorer but also a facilitator of the attack = The center forward / modern Nine / False Nine / Target Forward.
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