Positional play depends on the opponent

Presented by

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

1. ⚽Positional play depends on the opponent

2. 👉 2 New Exercises!

⚽Positional play depends on the opponent

Soccer tactics center around the principle of maximizing the use of space on the field. Especially during possession play, the key question is how players and coaches can achieve optimal spatial positioning. This should be arranged in a way that highlights the team's strengths.

There is no magic formation that automatically gives a team an advantage. It's not about rigidly occupying specific positions. Rather, the crucial factor is that the attacking team works to gain advantages over the defending team. Simply put, everything the defending team aims to achieve, the attacking team tries to prevent.

This is the first crucial insight of positional play: soccer is always a contest between two teams. Positioning during possession must be done in a way that prevents the defending opponent from achieving their goals. Many principles of positional play are not absolute guidelines but work in relation to the defenders' positions.

Passes as the Cornerstone of Positional Play:

The starting point on the field is initially the same for attackers as it is for the defenders facing them. All players orient themselves using the same reference points: their own position in space, the position of teammates, the position of opponents, and the position of the ball. These four reference points apply to both offensive and defensive players. There is always a relationship between the position of the attacking and the defending team.

The crucial difference between offense and defense lies in control over the ball. Only the team in possession determines the ball's location. The defending team aims to reach the ball but initially has no direct control over it. Therefore, passes are the most powerful tool for an attacking team. Through passes, one of the four reference points for all opposing defenders can be altered. Every pass demands a reaction from the opponents, and professional soccer teams constantly seek to provoke these reactions.

A well-known example is the back-and-forth passing between center-backs and full-backs, which forces the opponent to constantly adjust their defensive shape. Even Sepp Herberger, the coach of the German World Cup-winning team of 1954, knew: "The pace is set by the ball, not the fast players!" The ball moves faster than players can run. Herberger also emphasized: "The ball has the best condition." You can always let the ball do the running instead of running yourself.

Another advantage of passing play is that it makes it difficult for the opponent to build pressure when a player holds the ball for only a short time. When the ball moves frequently and quickly from player to player, it becomes harder for the opponent to orient themselves and apply pressure. Conversely, if a player holds onto the ball for a long time, the opponent can more easily build pressure. Short ball contacts and quick passing play are therefore key factors for a successful offense.

Presented by PIX4Team

Film and stream your games without a cameraman

New: From now on, you have two payment options available. If you prefer to pay monthly, this is now possible and still represents the best offer on the market.

Here's what you get from PIX4Team:

• Choose your preferred filming option:

  • Film with a renowned camera brand of your choice with a real optical zoom

  • Film with your smartphone breathtaking video quality.

• Open system compatible with all sport-analyzing softwares, live streaming platforms and social media

• Free PIX4TEAM REMOTE app (manage recording of the top camera and live streaming)

• No subscription required (optional)

• 2-year warranty

• Happy or money back

Dive deep into game analysis and share insights with your chosen teammates, friends or family to take your gameplay to the next level. Customize your package to perfectly suit your team or club. Craft the experience that works best for you!

🆕Use the newsletter - promo code "PIX4TEAM-5" to receive a 5% discount on your order.

👉2 New Exercises!

2 new exercises are out. Get unlimited access to all existing and upcoming videos with our monthly or yearly subscription.

Exercises:

• 8 vs 5 and Transition Game

• Counter-Attacking from a low block

  

Check out our Homepage for exclusive training videos and products.

Was this post forwarded to you? Subscribe here.

Have an idea or feedback to share? [email protected]