⚽Build-Up Play: Tactics in Zone 1

Hello and warm welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics take center stage:

1. ⚽Build-Up Play: Tactics in Zone 1

2. 📽️ Video Recommendation

⚽Build-Up Play: Tactics in Zone 1

Dear Coaches,

Building up play from the back is a hallmark of many teams in modern football. Yet, why do we often see the midfield area left almost empty during goal kicks? Why do so many coaches deliberately leave this space open? In this newsletter, we’ll shed light on this strategy, explain the reasoning behind it, and provide practical tips for implementing it in your own team.

The Classic Setup in Zone 1

During goal kicks, most teams position six players plus the goalkeeper in the first zone. This typically includes four defenders and two central midfielders, often referred to as "number sixes." By involving the goalkeeper—who is increasingly seen as a technically skilled player—a numerical advantage is created against the pressing opponent.

The challenge lies in the fact that more and more teams are trying to disrupt the build-up play with aggressive pressing. Opponents often press with five players, or in a particularly daring approach, even six players in a man-marking system. These pressing strategies put your players under significant pressure and demand precise solutions in the build-up phase. Meanwhile, the remaining four opposing players are typically positioned further up the field: two positioned wide along the touchlines and the other two centrally, all aligned at the midfield line.

The result? The central midfield space between the deeper build-up players and the forward attacking players remains empty. However, rather than viewing this as a weakness, many teams use this vacant space as a tactical weapon.

Why Is the Midfield Left Unoccupied?

Leaving the midfield space unoccupied is a deliberate tactical choice with several benefits:

1. Creating Space for Combinations
   Without direct opponents in the midfield, players in Zone 1 have more time and space to control the ball and play through the pressing line effectively. The emphasis here is on short passes and intelligent movement to unbalance the opponent and force errors.

   This approach is particularly effective against teams that concentrate their players in the forward pressing zones. The higher the opponent presses, the larger the space that opens up behind their pressing players.

2. Targeted Drops Into the Space
   The unoccupied midfield zone is strategically utilized when one of the attacking players drops into this space. These dropping movements are especially effective against man-marking systems, as they disrupt the opponent’s defensive structure. The player receiving the ball can:

   • Lay it off to continue the play quickly, or

   • Turn and drive forward to launch an attack with pace.

   

3. Exploiting Depth With Long Balls
   This tactic becomes particularly interesting when the opponent employs tight man-marking. If a central attacker drops into the midfield and their marker follows, a dangerous space opens up behind the defender. This free space can be attacked by a winger making a diagonal run. A precise long ball into this area can create significant goal-scoring opportunities.

Strategic Advantages and Challenges

Leaving the midfield empty requires a high level of tactical understanding and communication among players. It's crucial that all movements—whether short, long, diagonal, or dropping back—are well-coordinated.

• Defensive Advantages
  Focusing the build-up in Zone 1 gives your players greater control of the ball and forces the opponent to open up their defensive shape. This creates spaces that your attacking players can exploit effectively.

• Offensive Advantages
  Dropping movements and the strategic use of long balls add flexibility to your play. This makes your team less predictable and allows you to adapt to different game situations.

• The Challenge
  This tactic demands a high level of technical ability and spatial awareness. Players in Zone 1 must not only be confident on the ball but also courageous enough to confront the opponent's pressing.

How Can You Implement This Tactic in Training?

To successfully integrate this approach into your team, focus on the following areas during training:

1. Developing Pressing Resistance
   Practice building up play under pressure with drills that simulate opponents pressing high. For example, set up a scenario with six players in Zone 1 against seven pressing opponents to help your players become comfortable handling pressure in real-game situations.

2. Training Drop Movements
   Work with your attacking players on the dynamics of dropping back from the forward line into midfield. Focus on their ability to either lay off the ball quickly or play incisive passes into deeper areas.

3. Practicing Diagonal Runs
   Drill your wingers on making targeted runs into space when a forward drops into midfield. Combine these runs with precise long balls from the backline to create dangerous attacking opportunities.

Conclusion: The Art of the Empty Midfield

What may initially seem like a tactical disadvantage is, in reality, a well-thought-out strategy. Leaving the midfield unoccupied creates freedom in the build-up play, draws the opponent out of position, and opens spaces that can be exploited with precision.

With the right focus in training, you can integrate this tactic into your team and surprise your opponents with flexible combinations, intelligent dropping movements, and dangerous runs into depth.

📽️Video Recommendation

Robert Lewandowski sits down with Rio Ferdinand to discuss his legendary career and share insights into the minds of two of football’s greatest managers: Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.

Hear Lewandowski’s honest take on Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and intense preparation, including how he interacted with the players at Bayern Munich. Lewandowski also opens up about Klopp’s unique ability to inspire and motivate players, recalling how one heartfelt conversation at Dortmund changed the trajectory of his career and links to Rio’s own experiences with his family.

PS: This Friday, we’ll share ten brand-new drills for your training sessions. Stay tuned!

PPS: If you enjoyed this newsletter, feel free to share it with other football enthusiasts like you!

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