Dropping Six / Diagonal Push-Out / Goalkeeper Chain

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

1. ⚽Occupying width in the backline

2. 🆕2 New excercises for you!

⚽Occupying width in the backline

Formations with four-back lines pose a problem when the full-backs push far forward: In our own first line, only two players remain, namely the two center-backs. It's risky to have only two players left in the backline for defense after losing possession, especially when the opponent is playing with two forwards.

The principle of having one more player in defense than the opponent doesn't work here. A midfielder dropping back from the central midfield can solve this problem by supporting the first line.

He has two options: Either he drops between the two center-backs, causing them to shift slightly outward. Or he drops beside the center-backs, prompting them to move toward the other side. This creates a three-man block in the first build-up line. The role of this dropping midfielder is referred to as the "deep-lying playmaker.

Dropping between the center-backs:

By dropping back, he creates another advantage for his own team by allowing the center-backs to move wide. The midfielder's dropping back not only provides width in the backline but also in the front. This results in a three-man build-up line that covers the width of the field. This allows the game to be effectively shifted from one side to the other.

Dropping beside the center-backs:

To create width in the first build-up line, midfielders can also act differently: They not only drop back centrally but also to the wide positions. Real Madrid successfully implements this tactical approach, with key players like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric intentionally retreating to the wide areas. This tactical adjustment allows them to evade pressure from the opposing midfield and orchestrate the game from deeper positions. As a result, they have more space and time to deliver precise passes and influence the game more effectively.

Goalkeeper chain:

A more radical method to strengthen the first line and enable the full-backs to push forward is the so-called goalkeeper chain. In this approach, the goalkeeper positions himself between the two center-backs, covering the central corridor of the field. This integration allows him to participate in the team's build-up play. The goalkeeper and center-backs can form a three-player line in the first build-up phase.

However, this tactic is quite risky: After losing possession, the goalkeeper is not positioned where he should normally be. A misplaced pass during the build-up is enough to give the opponent an easy goal-scoring opportunity. Therefore, only a few goalkeepers dare to venture too far out of their penalty area. Nonetheless, this tactical measure has been increasingly observed near the own penalty area in recent years, with the goalkeeper expected to play a central role in the team's build-up play.

If someone wishes to populate the first line of attack with three players, there is, of course, a simpler way than having a midfielder drop back or forming a goalkeeper chain: Deploying a backline of three defenders helps cover the width in the initial phase of attack.

🆕2 New Exercises for You!

Two new exercises are out. With our monthly or yearly subscription, you have access to all previously unlocked and future videos.

Exercises:

• Passing Activation Leverkusen

• 6 vs 6 possession game with shooting opportunities instructed by the coach towards either goal 1 or 2

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