Tactical Theory: Principles for building and progressing play as a unit
In football, there are many different ways of progressing play and moving the ball from the defensive third to the attacking third. How a team goes about doing this will have different variables; the coaches’ tactics, the club’s philosophy, the type of players available, opposition quality, opposition pressure, the list goes on. Some teams may choose to utilize a more direct approach, often known as long balls — and simply play longer passes into space, or up to the frontline hoping for the attackers to win their duels and pick up second balls with the midfield or flick it beyond the backline for other attackers to run onto. Another well-known approach is that of juego de posición, or positional play. Without going into too much detail, positional play focuses mainly on the vertical and horizontal positioning of each player in attempt to maximize and create the most available space on the pitch for the side in possession. Through positional rotations and continual small adjustments to positioning in order to remain a passing option, positional play looks to create multiple progressive passing options at all times through different types of superiorities. Though there are multiple ways to progress play from one are of the pitch the other, many of these ways will have different principles in common.
Many coaches and analysts feel that tactics in modern football are starting to become more and more fluid, and less structured. This pertains not only to team systems, but also the role of each player within the system. Formations are more just a starting point, or a reference used for team sheets rather than a player’s actual location on the pitch.
“What´s important is not the formation, the most important is how we live it; how everybody respects the principles. How we attack, how we defend, in the formation that we play. And this is much more important than the formation. We can be strong in any formation.” — Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel, who is currently the manager of Chelsea FC, shared this sentiment in a recent interview on BT Sport. Regardless of the formation which is set for a particular match, the team principles shall remain the same.
In this article I will look at some different principles, ones that are not necessarily associated with a specific philosophy or style of play, though they can be used under various philosophies, and perhaps most closely resemble positional play. I want to emphasize that these principles can be implemented into any formation and are merely positioning principles for players both individually and collectively, however for the purpose of this article and the examples used below; I will use a 4–3–3 in possession against a 4–4–2 out of possession. These are two of the most common shapes teams currently use when attacking and defending, so they are perhaps more relatable. The principles described below are designed to aid the team in progressing and building play as unit through the thirds of the pitch, particularly the first two phases. Spaces and positioning in the final third tend to follow a separate set of principles.
What is relatively unique to these principles is the fluidity and dynamism with which each player must fill their roles. Positional freedom is not only encouraged, but also demanded for these principles to work in unison. Another important factor to consider while implementing these principles, is the adaptation to the opposition. The fluid nature of the roles means that the players must have the ability to recognize and react to opposition pressure by movements and occupation of the appropriate spaces. By utilizing these principles, the side in possession will be creating a framework for attacking football which allows the team to attack with freedom while maintaining structure simultaneously.
COLLECTIVE PRINCIPLES
+1 Rule
The +1 Rule is a collective principle, which requires the team to build play during the first in possession phase with one more player, this is in relation to the opposition first line of pressure. This will ensure two things; the team building up will always have a free man in front of the first line of pressure, creating a numerical superiority, as well as maximizing the number of vertical passing options. In comparison, a team who is building up with more than one extra player in front of the first line of pressure will have fewer progressive passing options in front of the ball carrier.
In the first in possession phase, often referred to as the build-up, utilising the keeper as a member of the first line of attack will also ensure that there will be more vertical passing options for progressing the ball as well. A team that actively uses the goalkeeper in their build up play will be able to push more players behind the opposition pressure, creating more decisions for the defenders to make, regardless if they are pressing in zonal marking or man to man. Goalkeepers with aggressive positioning (coming further off their line to make themselves more readily available as a passing option) will be able facilitate the build-up and switch help to switch the point of attack.
In the above image, the opposition is pressing with two players in their first line of pressure. The goalkeeper who has remained on their line is still a passing option, however it forces the central defenders to remain a bit narrower, this to have quicker access to the next pass as well as have relatively decent protection centrally in the event that the in possession side lose possession of the ball. With the central defenders positioned narrow, it will be more difficult for them to find good progressive passing angles into the central midfield as the two pressing players will be able to use their cover shadows to block these options when pressing.
In figure two, we see the keeper has taken up a more advanced position, while also remaining as a support option behind the ball carrier. This allows both central defenders to push wider, while also creating a 3v2 situation in favour of the in-possession side in front of the initial line of pressure. This will ensure that there is always a free man available in close proximity for the ball carrier to use as support. In addition, the central defender on the ball will also open up different passing angles as the defender who is pressing will now most likely be pressuring from an angle at the side as opposed to straight on. This will also create more central openings as the defender must now press more towards the half-space instead of remaining compact centrally.
In figure three, we see the defensive midfielder drop between the central defenders creating a 4v2 in front of the opposition press, a movement which is quite prevalent in modern football. In this particular situation though, when the ball is still in the first third of the pitch, it is perhaps not an ideal situation. What we see now is that access to the ball far central defender is now blocked, while at the same time the positioning of the advanced goalkeeper becomes a bit redundant. Another consequence of this movement is lack of central progressive passing options. With the pivot player now dropped between the central defenders, there is a noticeably large space between the first two opposition lines which is not occupied. Though this can be filled with a rotation from one of the two attacking midfielders, it still decreases the vertical options ahead of the ball carrier.
CREATING A DIAMOND AROUND THE BALL CARRIER
As previously mentioned, the purpose of these principles is to ensure that play is progressed through the thirds as a unit. These principles will help to encourage players to work together and continuously offer support to the ball carrier. The creation of a diamond around the ball carrier is a key principle in this context. While in the initial build up play, particularly in and around the penalty box, the focus is mainly on the +1 rule, once play is progressed and we have found space between the opposition lines the focus will shift to creating the diamond shape. What this offers in theory, is lateral support each side of the ball, as well as a support option behind the ball and a vertical option in front of the ball. This is to offer the ball carrier multiple options at all times while also manipulating the opposition pressure.
In figure four above, we see that play has progressed to the middle third of the pitch, often known as the progression phase or positional attacks. Now that we are in between the opposition lines with the ball, the +1 rule is no longer necessary, as we must also think about our shape behind the ball, which can be used as support while also offering protection against a counterattack in a situation where possession is lost.
«In my teams, the goalie is the first attacker, and the strikerthe first defender. » — Johan Cruyff
Figure five is highlighting the support at the bottom of the diamond. In most situations, whether the ball is in the build-up phase, progression phase or the final third, support behind the ball should almost always be in place. This will give the side in possession the best opportunity to retain and recycle possession when vertical progression is being blocked. The support behind the ball is often a good outlet which can be used to quickly switch play as well. In this case, the goalkeeper is taking this role, as the ball is in the central vertical channel. This allows for both central defenders to maintain a bit of width. As seen above, if the goalkeeper was not involved in this sequence and remained on their line, the central defender would most likely need to shift laterally to offer support, and in this situation the structure of the team could be drastically altered as one of the fullbacks or attacking midfielders may need to drop down to the right to maintain enough numbers behind the ball for transition defending. For the team to build as a unit, the goalkeeper will always be a vital part of the side, allowing to space and occupy the pitch with maximum numbers.
Figure six shows us a new scenario where there are a few different concepts to consider. Now, with the ball in the wide vertical channel, it will be difficult and probably not effective to form a diamond around the ball, as this would mean an extra player in between the ball and the side-line would be needed, in turn creating too narrow of a shape and make it easier for the opposition to defend multiple players at one time. In this situation, creating a triangle as opposed to a diamond would be the better solution. In addition to the change of the shape, we will also see that the goalkeeper is no longer the bottom of the shape as the support player. With the ball in the wide vertical channel, as well as the middle third of the pitch, the goalkeepers positioning would most likely be better off to stay inside the box.
As mentioned, progressing play as a unit is the theme here. In figure seven, we see the lateral support being highlighted. Notice that lateral support is on each side of the ball carrier, which is vital for giving the ball carrier alternative options depending on the direction and angle of the pressure they may receive. While the intent is progressing play vertically, forward passes are not always immediately available as a viable solution, meaning we can look to each side in hopes of creating a new vertical passing option. Something to consider regarding the lateral support in this situation, is that is also coincides with one of the key principles of positional play, which is no more than three players on the same horizontal line. In figure seven, if we count the ball carrier and each lateral option, we have three players on the same horizontal line. It is important that the positioning of the fullbacks is offset in comparison to each of the attacking midfielders, as seen in the below image, figure eight. Though the fullbacks are not immediate options, by positioning themselves on the same horizontal line, access to them will be even more limited as they would be in the passing shadow of the two immediate lateral options.
Moving on to the top of the diamond, the positioning of this player is key. As our goal is progressing play as a unit, the vertical pass should be the most sought-after option. Besides making themselves available with a clear passing lane, the most important part of this players positioning is that they occupy space behind the next line of opposition pressure. Reaching the top of the diamond with a pass should in theory not only progress play vertically, but also eliminate opposition defenders in the process by receiving between the lines.
Figure nine is showing the positioning of the player who is at the top of the diamond, and in this specific scenario it is the centre forward. The yellow highlighted area shows the location of all four players around the ball carrier who are forming the diamond shape, while the red highlighted area is to highlight the positioning of the player who is between the lines as well as behind the next line of opposition pressure. In theory, if the player is able to receive in this position, the side in possession will effectively be eliminating the entire midfield line of the opposition while simultaneously progressing play closer to the opposition goal.
“The third man is impossible to defend. Impossible.” — Xavi
Yet another reason why finding the player at the top of the diamond should be the first option when available, is the ability to play the third man in this sequence. When making the vertical pass to the top of the diamond, the side in possession should in theory have two players now available in relatively close proximity (the initial lateral players) to make a third man run, allowing them to be facing goal upon receiving the next pass. Getting players goal facing in the three central vertical channels is a huge benefit when trying to progress the ball as now they clearly have more options in front of them to continue vertical progression. These types of movements can be seen above in figure ten, where the pass breaks the midfield line of the opposition and finds the striker with their back to goal. In this particular scenario, I have chosen to highlight both attacking midfielders, who were initially the lateral options in the diamond, and show them coming on third man runs off of the striker. If these runs are closely marked that will only open up more space centrally for a wall pass back to the defensive midfielder who will now be in a similar location on the pitch as the start of the sequence, but now have much more time and space on the ball to find potentially one of the wide fullbacks or wingers for a switch of play.
“If you start to think about defending when you lose the ball, it´s too late” — Bill Dodgin Senior
We have gone through the positioning and the options which the diamond offers; support behind the ball, lateral support on each side, and a vertical option occupying the space behind the next opposition line of pressure. Creating a diamond around the ball carrier not only gives the player in possession multiple, short passing options, there is another concept which holds extreme value that has not been touched on yet. What this shape also should offer, providing that the side in possession attempts to build play utilizing the diamond and the options it provides, is immediate cover and great preconditions for counter-pressing. With five players including the ball carrier within relatively close proximity to the ball at most times, losing possession when trying to play one of the diamond options means that with quick reactions the players should put themselves into good positions to counter-press and quickly recover possession. While counter-pressing is a principle which can be implemented regardless of the sides in possession philosophy, progressing play as a unit also means that there should theoretically always be overloads or superiorities around the ball. These type of in possession principles are perhaps more conducive to a counter-pressing philosophy, giving the side a better chance to maintain and recover possession, in turn controlling the tempo of the match.
In figure 11 we can see what it might look like if the possession is lost. A misplaced pass or an interception from the opposition midfield line means the side who was in possession now has four defenders who can quickly counter-press the ball in attempt to recover possession, or in the least delay any quick counter-attacking opportunities against them. One important thing to note in this sequence, is the angle of the pressure during the counter-press. The players should not simply put all of their focus and energy on winning the ball via pressing the ball carrier, but at the same time attempt to block all of the nearest passing lanes with the cover shadows. Preventing any simple and short options to play out of pressure for the opposition will force them into tougher decisions while also hopefully forcing them to play a support pass, preventing any counter attacks against.
CREATING AND OCCUPYING SPACE
The previously discussed principles, as well as the following ones which will be explained after this, are all interconnected. Fluidity in the build-up and progression phases is extremely important; this is to continuously create new spaces to attack. One of the ways to achieve this is constant and subtle readjustments to individual player positioning in order to create the best possible passing angles. In addition to this it is also important to maximize time and space on the ball upon receiving a pass. Though the +1 Rule and the creation of a diamond around the ball carrier appeared somewhat straightforward and relatively possible to implement, there was a very important element to consider which was not touched on too much, and that is the opposition. The opposition is an unknown variable, and we will never know for sure how they will react, how they will press, or what spaces will be open. So, while we may try to build and progress play using the aforementioned principles, we must also consider the opposition, and how we will overcome their out of possession strategy.
One such principle which can be used to optimise positioning and spacing on the pitch is that players who are being closely marked- should move, in order to create a new space on the pitch. While players who are not being marked should attempt to remain in space and occupy the allotted space by constantly readjusting their positioning in order to maintain relatively equal distances from opposition players on all sides.
This principle and these types of movements are often called positional rotations, and are used to do what is described above. One player rotates out of their position, while the other player rotates and occupies the space which has just been left. This is to create a bit of chaos and decision making amongst the opposition structure and force them into deciding whether or not they should track the initial player who was in the space, or pass them on to another defender while simultaneously marking the new player entering the space. Of course these decisions by the opposition will be guided by their own out of possession principles, and whether or not they defend using zonal marking or man marking principles.
“There’s only one moment in which you can arrive in time. If you’re not there, you’re either too early or too late .”— Johan Cruyff
Though these movements may appear relatively straight forward and simple, the timing of these movements in addition to the timing of the passes is critical for proper execution.
One very common rotation in a 4–3–3 is that of the ball near attacking midfielder and winger. As seen above in figure 12, when the central defender is on the ball and the vertical passing options are either blocked or tightly marked, the attacking midfielder follows this principle — players who are being marked, should move in order to create a new space. In this instance, the opposition central midfielder will most likely take a few steps to their right and track this run to ensure that the attacking midfielder will not be able to receive freely behind the midfield line. In this exact moment, the ball near winger can cut inside and occupy the newly created passing lane which has been exposed due to the marked player making a movement. This potential passing option will not last long, and the timing of the movement from the winger, in addition to the timing of the pass from the central defender is critical.
Even though the ball near fullback is a potential passing solution throughout this sequence, the focus is to play vertical passes, specifically between the lines, so that we can eliminate opposition players and not simply play around the defensive block which means there would still be 11 players between the ball and the goal.
“A player shouldn´t move according to their position, but by the position of the ball, their teammates, space and their opponents. Nothing is fixed.” — Arrigo Sacchi
Simple, yet effective, occupying space sounds relatively easy. While perhaps not the exact same concept, it is very similar to the concept of playing between the lines of the opposition. In most situations, whether you are passing or receiving a ball, ideally there would not be a defender in close proximity upon receiving. Not only does this mean that the player in possession now has more time and space to execute their next action, but it also means in theory that the opposition must now make a decision whether to press or hold shape. Forcing the opposition block to make decisions is a net positive. Attacking on the front foot, and being in control, while manipulating the defenders is basically the theme to this entire article and the principles laid out.
By attempting to maintain equal distances from the nearest defenders surrounding the space which the player is attempting to occupy (figure 13), achieving the aforementioned details upon receiving becomes more of a reality. Constant, subtle readjustments to positioning is key to occupying space appropriately. Scanning is a necessity and a tool that must be used to manage this process. Without knowing where all of the closest defenders are it is simply not possible to occupy the correct space in as many scenarios as possible.
MOVING TO AND FROM THE BALL CARRIER
This is perhaps the easiest and most simple principle to implement, regardless of level, philosophy or playing style. A concept which should probably be used no matter how the team wants to get the ball from point A to point B. When a player is marked, the other in possession players should approach them to offer a quick release option and relieve them of the pressure near their own goal. If player under pressure is not approached and offered support, they are then being relied on to beat the opposition defender with a dribble, clear the ball out of pressure, or play a support pass backwards- which while this can be a decent solution, we must remember that we are attempting to progress play, and not simply maintain possession.
The opposite is true of an unmarked player with the ball. For example, if a central defender has the ball at their feet, and the defensive block is not pressuring them, it is unnecessary for a player to drop down and meet the ball to receive. This principle has similarities to some of the ideas mentioned above. Having as many players as possible beyond the first line of pressure will not only give the player with the ball more vertical passing options, but it will also prevent the opposition from essentially marking two players at once. If a central midfielder drops in front of the first line of pressure to receive, they may draw a defender with them, and while this could in theory open up a space within the opposition block, there will now be less players to fill that vacated area as the central midfielder has just moved away. The more efficient solution would be for the central defender to attack to allotted space, provoke the opposition block and first line of pressure, until they engage the opposition. Once the first line of pressure is engaged via a carry and the structure of the block is altered, there will now be more options to fill the space left from the defending player pressuring the ball.
RESPECTING YOUR POSITION
Waiting in position for the ball to arrive sounds as if it is one of the easiest and most simple principles to follow. And though in theory it can be that simple, it takes discipline, awareness, understanding of passing angles and the ability to think ahead and anticipate what the next action may be.
“Stand still to create space.” — Norman Whiteside
It can be very tempting for players to always want the ball at their feet and show themselves as a passing option to the player who is in possession of the ball. But if we imagine a scenario where every player thought in this manner, the ball carrier would lose a lot of time and space on the ball in turn reducing their passing options and the passing options of the player who receives the next pass. A player who is unmarked and occupying space may not always be an immediate passing option, maybe they are being “marked” via the use of a cover shadow and a small adjustment from one side or the other may fix this issue, but by holding their position and occupying space they can quickly make themselves available as a secondary passing option — the free man, or a player who can put themselves into a good position to receive a pass facing goal.
In figure 14 we can see how occupying space and patience can be a tool used to receive the ball in space while also facing goal, which is always one of the most desirable circumstances for a player to find themselves in. Though the defensive midfielder is initially not a clear passing option for the central defender as they are in the cover shadow of the opposition striker, by holding their position and occupying the space between the lines they can quickly find themselves available as the free man.
With so much positional freedom, there is also a clear demand for discipline. This comes through accepting and following the rules as described above. Respecting the structure and the rest of the teams ability to carry out instructions will then allow for all players to find themselves in the best conditions to progress play — as a unit.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This article was not written to describe how the game should be played, more-so offer one way of playing and small set of guidelines. Even within these guidelines there is room for interpretation and innovation. These are merely thoughts and ideas which can be implemented or used as inspiration for future game models.
