Key principles behind attacking transitions

The game is defined by space, time and distance.

 

Ultimately, in possession, we want to create space and time on the ball, while, defensively, we want to limit the opponent’s space and time. 

 

We execute through manipulating distances; between our lines (vertically) and within individual positions (horizontally). 

 

Managing distances is also beneficial to protect players whose qualities are inferior to the opponent. This understanding is the foundation to my philosophy, principles and how I coach.

 

Each coach must determine, and clearly define, how they want their team to play. Coaches must answer the following questions for each moment of the game in relation to their players’ qualities: 

1. What do we want to do?
2. How do we want to do it?
3. Where do we want to do it?
4. When do we do it?
5. Why do we want to do it in this way? 

The answers will define our principles, sub-principles, fundamental behaviors and key actions which will shape our team’s identity and style of play. 

 

Within my environment, we have two frameworks that are consistent regardless of being in or out of possession.

 

The first framework outlines four cues that must always be referenced in sequential order. Without this order, players will make decisions based on inaccurate information resulting in failed execution. 

 

Players must always identify: 

1. Who has the ball?
2. Where is pressure?
3. Where is space?
4. Where is support? 

Now, we will further enhance player perception by dividing the field into three zones: ’ball zone’, ’middle zone’ and ’far zone’. These help players to implement the correct fundamental behaviors for the team, their line or individual position. 

 

The fundamental behaviors provide solutions and further enhance our team principles (the ’what?’) and sub-principles (the ’how?’). 

 

Without these two frameworks, players will not be able to communicate effectively. 

 

Let’s look at an example from the transition-to-attack phase. 

 

Our first focus must be on regaining possession of the ball. This is executed through maintaining distance between our lines and within positions to decrease the opponent’s time and space. 

 

Once we regain possession, we must simultaneously create space and time by establishing depth and width.

 

The key to creating an effective transition is our off-ball positioning. We must ensure that players are positioned in advantageous spaces at proper distances. 

 

This is why it is imperative to establish cues, zones and fundamental behaviors. 

 

So, how do we execute? We must understand how our defensive principles and fundamental behaviors will impact our transition. Then we can establish reference points to further player understanding. 

 

We utilize the goal as a reference and establish it is located in a central area.  Because of this, we want to protect the middle, and force play wide. 

 

We want the closest player to the ball to close space quickly (a defensive principle) and have ’predictable pressure’, while players in the middle and far zones maintain a compact shape, both horizontally and vertically (defensive sub-principles).

 

On-ball pressure must close space quickly, but avoid being beaten by keeping the opponent in-front (fundamental behavior). Now, the distance is reduced and on-ball pressure is close, we must make play predictable and force it in one direction. 

 

Execution occurs by getting on the high side with our arm up (key action). The arm provides a reference point for distance and guides the opponent one direction.

 

Off the ball, our intention is to win possession through 2v1s or interceptions. 

 

This requires players in the middle and far zones to collectively reduce distance based on the on-ball pressure. The closer on-ball pressure is, the closer our distances. 

 

To further enhance our positioning and execution, fundamental behaviors have been defined for each line:

• Defensive line: Must maintain balance in depth (stay attached).
• Midfield line: Must prevent inside passes (protect the middle).
• Forward line: Must prevent the opponent from switching point of attack (tuck central).

If we do not execute these fundamental behaviors, and reduce distances effectively (see picture below), the opponent will have time and space to exploit.