By Mike Smith
My middle school soccer coach was the first coach to really introduce me to the concepts behind what we were actually trying to do on the field and I credit this for my interest in an overall tactical approach. I remember thumbing through one of his old soccer books and noting the difference between how the basic formations were diagrammed – with simple dots marking positions, and how the explanation of the Dutch concept of “ total soccer” was shown – with arrows extending from every dot detailing a much more dynamic approach. Something my coach explained to me – no doubt simplifying the concept – was how each position had a basic shape to run. He would add it was important for all the players to know the basic positional shapes as, like in the “ total soccer” concept, players frequently interchanged positions. I have found this idea of positional shape very useful in helping players understand positioning, especially when dealing with the back four. Here is what I am talking about:
The diagram above uses arrows to show the basic shapes of the back line defenders and three midfielders from the defending side. I see triangles, squares and rectangles of varying degrees. Take the left back for example, stepping up to engage the attacker with the ball. While allowing for movement up and down the field, the three arrows mark the runs the left back is commonly going to make – stay vertical, drop and shift over or angle up and in a bit if the ball is switched. The line which is not marked, but is assumed is the angled run back to center from wide – a line here would close the triangle.
Removing the attackers and using these colored markers paints a different picture of the same idea. In the interests of not cluttering up an already busy diagram, only one center back shape was marked. If playing a flat 4 the center backs shapes ( shown with yellow markers ) would be identical. This is a simple concept, and some may suggest too simple, but when dealing with younger players, new players or even players who just need concepts explained and shown in a different way, a simple break down of general positional shapes will help your players to better implement your tactical concepts on the field. The exact shapes you use will depend on your team and tactics and style but the simple idea of actually putting the shapes on the field – like having a holding mid run a box, or a center mid or wing mid running vertical in a triangle, etc… can really be of benefit to your team.Try this drill to give your players the general idea.
Set Up
In a 40 x 40 area, play 6 attackers vs 4 defenders. Mark the corner of the areas into triangles as shown, leaving two rectangle areas in the center sections. I have used different color markers here for clarity, however if your players can visualize the basic areas, this multitude of cones is not required. The idea is to have 4 attacking players working the corners with one central player moving vertically in the center, and one central player moving laterally in the center. As shown by the passing ( dashed ) and movement ( solid ) lines in the diagram above, there should always be two players open if positions are held and the ball is moved along with good 2 touch soccer. The coach can set a passing goal for both teams say 20 consecutive passes for the attacking team and 10 for the defending team.
Progression
Add a defender if possession comes too easy for your attacking side but always keep the drill numbers up for the attackers as with good positioning, passing and movement even a 6 v 4 to the attack is a realistic match situation. If the attacking team masters the 6 v 5, start to allow the attackers to interchange positions fluidly.
Coaching Points
Make sure your players are using their positional shapes – there should always be players working the edges and corners ( triangles ) as well as players running both vertically and laterally, this is the main focus of the activity.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
