Man against Man

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics are in focus:

1. ⚽Mirror Formations

2. 👉3 New Exercises for You!

⚽Mirror Formations

If a defensive team precisely mirrors the formation of the attacking team, this is referred to as a mirror formation. Coaches Manuel Baum and André Breitenreiter often employed this tactic with their Bundesliga teams. They aimed to establish a purely man-oriented order; every midfielder and forward should mark an opponent at all times. In defense, they wanted to stay close to the man but maintain numerical superiority. Therefore, one or two players secured the space behind the players acting in a man-oriented manner.

Before the game, the two coaches analyzed the offensive formation the opponent would play. They then mirrored this formation. Specifically, this means that if the opponent plays with a winger, they also defend with only one player on the wing. If the opponent sends two players to the wing, two players defend the wing – and so on. Thus, the team operates with a fixed formation, but this fixed formation is solely based on the opponent. Mirror formations are therefore often used for a man-oriented style of play.

A concrete example: The opponent builds their game from a 3-4-3 formation. The defending team will either completely mirror this variant – in this case, they also defend with a 3-4-3. Alternatively, they can create a numerical advantage in defense but defend man-to-man elsewhere on the field. The suitable formation would be a 5-2-3 or a 5-4-1 if the team doesn't want to play pressing. In all variations, they could operate with a significant emphasis on man-oriented defending.

Adapting the Defensive System to the Opponent:

In modern professional football, the analysis of the upcoming opponent plays a significant role. Coaches, along with their video analysts, scrutinize the opponent's past matches to explore their strengths and weaknesses. How does the opponent build up their game? Through the center or down the wings? Who are the key players? In which areas does the opponent aim to advance? Tailoring one's defensive system to the opponent is among the central challenges of modern football.

The formation is a way to adapt to the opponent. This doesn't necessarily mean automatically mirroring the opponent. It can also simply involve making minor adjustments. For instance, if an opponent fields their best players in the central midfield and launches many attacks through that zone, it is advisable to deploy additional central midfielders. If the opponent frequently attacks down the wings, the focus should be on defending that area strongly – or alternatively, one can emphasize defending crosses exceptionally well.

The adjustment to the opponent is not limited to the formation alone but also applies to tactical measures. High pressing in attack may work against teams with technically weak defenders. However, it can quickly become a liability against teams that move the ball very well. Coaches must carefully weigh risks and opportunities in making these tactical decisions.

There are Bundesliga coaches nowadays who conjure up 34 different ideas on the field over 34 matchdays on how their team should defend. Nevertheless, there are recurring patterns in defense for most teams. Coaches have only a limited time to influence their team. Through video sessions and daily training, they can impart their ideas of a defensive team.

On one hand, there are fixed principles that recur consistently – such as directing the opponent outward in one's own half. On the other hand, there are tactical details that vary from game to game. In analyzing a team, one should consider both facets.

👉3 New Exercises for You!

Discover our latest exercises! Sign up for free on our website to get unrestricted access to all exercises. We update our exercise offerings weekly to provide you with fresh content regularly.

1. Passing Drill Bayern Munich (Thomas Tuchel)

2. Defending Passes and Crosses

3. From Build-up Play to Numerical Superiority Play

• PS: If you'd like, visit our website to watch exclusive training videos and find suitable products to assist you in your daily coaching activities. https://www.fussballcoaches.com/

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