General Info

 

The video below highlights a few different styles of play and their effectiveness in one very short passage of play.

 

[ Direct play ]   vs   [ Playing in congested spaces ]   vs   [ Playing through the Matrix ]

 

 

 

 

If you try to adopt a technical mindset when playing, then in general the aim would be to

pass through the diamond matrix in the most effective way.

 

Sometimes this may get a team forward quickly, and at other times it may require a team to play from wing to wing (switch the play) before going forward. In this style of play, teams should always play away from congested space. [If a team stays in congested space for too long they will lose the ball].

 

In the video above.

• When did a team play direct and long? Was it effective?
• When did a team play forward quickly, but through the diamond matrix (diagonal ball movement)? Was it effective?
• When did a team play and stay in congested space ? Was it effective? If not, were options to play away from the congested space available, but missed?
• When did a team keep possession using the diamond matrix ? Was it effective?

 

 

Summary : When in possession, and whilst adopting a technical mindset and a technical style of play, then in general  :

• Be relaxed but very sharp and crisp (technically and especially with good footwork and touch).
  • Speed of play (thought , movement, technique) is very high
• Find simple passes if obvious more aggressive (forward) options are not available.
  • Don't force aggressive forward play - always look for the opportunity to play forward but don't force it - it is better when you let the good moments find you.
• For Square passes (and especially if they are in your own half ) : Apply the 100% rule applies.
  • [The 100% rule means :  You are 100% sure the pass (even if it turns into an inaccurate pass) won't get intercepted].
• When the ball is lost - press immediately and aggressively to win the ball back asap and as high as possible.
  • Whilst also very quickly covering against a quick counter attack (protect against direct play).

 

 

 

 

Use the videos below to get a picture of :

 

 

 

Make some notes on Man City's : style of play in the videos above : Particularly the following : 

 

Possession : 

1. Are Man City players doing anything different individually compared to the opposition players?
2. How do Man City playing out from the back?
3. How do Man City keep possession in the middle third?
4. How do Man City like to get in behind?
5. How do Man City like to get the ball into scoring positions?
6. How do Man City position themselves in and around the box when goal scoring chances are created?

Losing the ball

1. What do Man City do when they lose the ball in high / mid / low positions?

Opposition has the ball

1. How do Man City set up defensively when the opposition are in possession.?

Winning the ball

1. What ways do Man City win the ball back when the opposition have it?

 

And the last question :

How does the above compare with what your team is trying to do in the same moments?

 

 

 

System of Play : Home Page