Strategic Waiting in Football

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

1. ⚽Studs on the ball and wait

2. 👉3 new exercises for you!

⚽Studs on the ball and wait

In an earlier post about "The Evolution of the Libero", we talked about how important center-backs are in today's football. Without skilled center-backs, it's hard to play really good football. Just having a strong midfield isn't enough anymore. Nowadays, all modern center-backs need to be able to:

• play precise short passes

• shift the game to the wings

• and play to the third man

Sole on the ball

In recent years, players have started using their foot's sole to control the ball and wait instead of quickly passing it. This change means they focus more on getting their body position right, being patient, and timing their moves.

Why?

The aim of waiting and playing short passes is to lure the opponent out of their defensive position, creating openings. So, it's important for a center-back to either move into the available space to attract an opponent or wait to see how the opponent reacts.

Hardly any team stays solely focused on shifting back and forth without occasionally having a player break out of the defensive formation to press the opponent with the ball.

Brighton as a prime example

A great example of this tactical skill is Roberto De Zerbi's team. They've mastered this style and wait for the opponent to make a move. When they have the ball, they position themselves precisely and closely, ready to pass it quickly into any open space that appears. It takes good timing, accurate passing, and confidence to pull it off.

Building up play from the center

An important part of this strategy is keeping the ball in the center. In De Zerbi's team, you'll notice that the full-backs are often open, but the ball doesn't go to them right away. This is because there are fewer options on the sides, and they can get pressured quickly. Keeping the ball centrally gives more passing options, making it harder for opponents to press effectively.

The key factor here is the angle. If the center-back receives the ball and turns in a specific direction right away, it becomes easier for the opponent to predict where the pass will go.

But when you have the ball under your sole, you have a full view of the field, and it's harder for the opponent to anticipate your next pass.

Also, by staying central, it forces the opponent to focus on closing down the midfield, which leaves a lot of space on the wings for to use.

Top clubs take over

While De Zerbi's approach is quite unique, it has inspired many other clubs. Nowadays, lots of top teams have taken on this tactic and adjusted it for their own squads.

👉3 new exercises for you!

Explore our newest exercises! Register for free on our website to gain unrestricted access to all exercises. We update our exercise selection weekly to consistently deliver fresh content to you.

1. Passing-Race

2. Passing drill (8 players)

3. Defending the one-two pass

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