BBFS Model of Play Stevie Grieve June 2015a

Model Of Play

11v11

Stevie Grieve June 2015

Developing an attacking style of play, based on penetrative possession and stability around the ball to press quickly, with the ability to be organised without the ball and control the game in all phases with the ability to counter attack

Organised Attacking

Transitional Defending

Organised Defending

Transitional Attacking

Organised Attacking 4-3-3 base

2-3-2-3 in possession

variations

2-1-4-3 & 2-3-4-1

Chance Creation

Possession Play

Build Up Play

Offensive Playing System

Overloads

Stretch the high

press

Flexibility to bring the ball forward

Positioning on 4 lines

DM in thefree channel

Open body shape

Composure

Multiple Passing Angles

Safe

Passes

Build-Up Play Requirements

Overloads

5 channel positioning

Creating Triangles

Positioning on 5 lines

Positioning between WM and

CMs

Open body shape

Penetration

Support around the ball

Multiple Passing angles

Possession Play Requirements

Central Attacks

Movement behind the

defence

Positioning between the lines

See-saw movements

Combinations 1

touch play

Penetration

Diagonal

Attacking

Support around the ball

Multiple Passing angles

Chance Creation Requirements

5x5 Channel Positioning

We will develop possession with 5 clear lines vertically GK – CBs –DM/FBs – CMs –WFs –CFs Also, 5 Horizontal channels to allow triangulation and in-out movements This will allow for positional rotation, see-saw movements, interior/exterior movements and flexibility in shape

2-3-2-3 in possession wingers in

With the wingers inside, we can play with 8 in the centre and 2 outside, allowing us to play quickly through the middle while staying in shape to defend from the middle. The Full Backs will provide the width and stretch the game in the final 3rd and balance the transitional press as the DM covers

2-3-2-3 in possession wingers out

When we play with the full backs inside, the wingers must provide the length and width. We will use 8 in the middle but with the FBs playing as outside CMs on the same line as the DM The CMs can push higher to play closer to the CF and wingers to balance the attack/defence transitional press.

2-3-2-3 in possession lopsided

If we play with one inside FB and one outside, the wingers will play one in one out. The CMs and CBs adjust positions to balance the team and cover the relevant spaces countering the positions adapted to the fullback/ winger positions.

2-1-4-3 possession wingers high

In a 2-1-4-3, we are playing against a low block and look to control all zones across the centre, often with 6 or even 7 in ‘midfield’ The DM must cover behind the zone of play and is responsible for covering the spaces left around the CBs, FBs and CMs in defensive transition and tracking midfield runners

2-3-4-1 possession wingers wide

In a 2-3-4-1, we are playing against a narrow block against a direct attacking team and look to use the FBs as outside CMs to control the channels in & out possession. The wingers will play 1v1 and stay wide while the FBs and CMs will run through the channels to ensure we stay stable to counterpress.

Build from GK through thirds

DM, FB or CB

1st pass

GK to FB/RW/LW

If high press

GK to CF

3rd pass

Find free

DM, CB or FB

GK re-start; 4v2 overload

From the GK, the DM will drop in to play against the high 2v2 press, to create a 4v2. He can be used to ‘bounce’ the ball or to turn and attack if unpressured. The WFs, CMs and CF can ‘tilt’ the opposition to one side and overload to draw them over and free up the far side FB from the 1st pass.

GK re-start; 4v2 overload to 3v1

From the GK, the DM will drop in to play against the high 2v2 press, to create a 4v2. He can be used to ‘bounce’ the ball or to turn and attack if unpressured. The WFs, CMs and CF can ‘tilt’ the opposition to one side and overload to draw them over and free up the far side FB from the 1st pass.

GK unable to pass short; High FB

The back 4 will look for the DM whenever possible to bring the ball into midfield and look to penetrate the opponent midfield quickly From here, he will find the CM who will attack the channel then look for a solution. If the CM is pressed, the outball to the winger will be 1st with the FB moving to support

GK unable to pass short; Front 3


GK unable to pass short; Front 3


Game management – Long GK

If late in the game, we may play long from a GK and keep the play compact on one side. We will shape into a 4-1-4-1 with a diagonal slant to recover the 2nd ball and play forward behind the back 4 on the 1st pass.

CB in possession

CB to DM

1st pass

CB to CM

2nd Pass CB to FB 3rd pass

CB dribble into midfield

4th option

Find the DM or CM

2-3-2-3 in possession CB dribble

When the DM drops in 3v2, the CB can move into midfield and make a 4v2 or 4v3 with the high FB, near side CM and inside WF. The CF must be able to occupy the CB and stop him from moving over to help, while the far side winger can move inside and play between the far side FB and CB. Far side CM will drop between lines.

2-3-2-3 in possession CB to DM

If the DM can play between the press and receive blindside the CB will look for this pass 1st. From here, the DM may go through the midfield line and into the WF and attack quickly to combine with the CM or go wide if the centre isn’t open via the FB then we attack the box with the blindside players as the CM stays to stabilise the attack

2-3-2-3 in possession CB dribble

When play is circulated, the CB can move into midfield as the DM drops in to cover him. When the CB advances, he will pass through the midfield if possible The near side CM will block the pressure and act as a shield for the forward pass. If this is not possible, the CB will find the CM inside or the FB who can combine on the side

2-3-2-3 in possession DM to CM


2-3-2-3 in possession DM to WF


LCM/RCM in possession

CM to CF

2nd pass

CM to FB

3rd Pass

CM to DM

4th pass

LWF/RWF

target player 1st pass

2-3-2-3 in possession CM to WF

If against a team with 2 CFs, we will keep a FB deep to play 3v2 in transition. In this case, one FB will be high and a winger inside, with a winger outside on the far side. The pass into the CF with no support can be risky, so we will look to attack the goal with the Wingers and CMs who can press in defensive transition

2-3-2-3 in possession CM to FB

If we can go diagonally across the field, this is our best solution – we can move the ball quickly from FB – FB via the LCM, RW and attack the box on the blind side 3rd man or if the RW can turn and pass behind the FB. If this isn’t possible, the RW can dribble inside and find a route to goal centrally If play is tight, we can play a CF 1-2

LWF/RWF

In possession

WF to CM

2nd pass

WF to FB overlap

3rd Pass

WF to FB deep

4th pass

CF

Target player 1st pass

2-3-2-3 in possession WF to CF

If the DM can’t find the CM, he will find the WF. From here, the WF can attack the space between FB and CB, while the FB or CM could overlap/ run into the channel. The WF will look to find the CF to score or combine if this is not possible. The Far side WF can tuck in and let the FB push on, or stay wide and the FB stays deep and inside.

2-3-2-3 in possession WF to CF


2-3-2-3 possession WF to CM/FB

If the dribble inside isn’t possible, the WF will look to draw the FB inside and leave the space behind and play a reverse pass, or will combine with the deep CM to pass behind for the FB. Alternatively, the far side CM can move between the lines for a pass inside who will try to pass 1st time behind the pressing CB to the CF diagonal run.

Defensive Transition from Organised Attacking

Counter Pressing a forward pass

which has been intercepted

To Successfully Counter-Press, we need to apply the 1st player pressure within 2.3 seconds, in any direction

For a successful 2nd player press, this must be initiated within 5.5 seconds.

This is to create doubt in the ball

carrier and force a mistake

• Conditions for the Counter-Press are set once the ball carrier is under pressure to go direct

• Midfielder plays a forward pass to the spare CB in a manner where he must take a touch

• CF runs behind so CB can’t let it go

• WM, AM and CM squeeze around the ball to intercept or tackle the next receiver

• Defensive block moves up to close the space

Initiating the Counter-Press

Direct Ball into the CF to compete with CB from LB who is under pressure

CB regains and passes wide to FB then inside to the CM As the 1st pass is made, everyone moves in midfield as a unit to close down the space

As the pass is played inside, the closest player looks to force play back or into trouble. As this happens, the supporting players cover the space around the 1st pressing defender and block off all exits via man marking

• Never press without support around you! • Pressing must block the connections between the

opposition players to reduce passing options • Don’t rush out of position to press when you can be easily

by-passed with one pass • Press from various triggers • Stay in position and protect the defence • Delay the attack and force play wide • Recovering players sprint to block the centre then force

play wide • Defence drop off so not to get beaten by an early ball

behind from deep

Pressing Guidelines

• Opponent takes a bad first touch • A pass is played backwards • Receiver’s head is down • Receiver’s 1st passing angle is blocked • The opponent turns backwards • The opponent is not facing our goal • The ball is in transit between 2 players • The pass is inaccurate • The pass is slow • When you can press to play 1v1 • When the press will block forward passes into the centre • When the player in possession has the ball on the ‘weak’ foot • Before the next player receives a predictable pass (anticipate)

Pressing Triggers – If…

• If our defence will be exposed by a simple penetration of the midfield zone

• If we can stay in position and block the middle • If pressing out of line has to real value • If there is no support or cover around • When a player could press from behind • When player in possession will release early • If the 2nd pass cannot be pressed • If connection between 2 players won’t be broken • If the attack must force a way through the block

When not to press

The defence needs to protect the spaces behind and form a back 3 with 1 infront

Space infront of the ball is covered with a stable back 3 against 2 attackers

Directing play to one side enables the attack to become predictable

Directing play to one side enables the attack to become predictable

Force play wide and form a 4-1 or 3-2 back line. Mark runners in final 35m

Transition to Organised Defending

Block the centre

Stay Compact (Horizontal & Vertical) Force Wide

Trap and Overload Press Launch Counter Attack (Attack Tran)

Defensive Reference Points

“Our players had four reference points: the ball, the space, the opponent, and their own teammates. Every movement had to happen in relation to these reference points. Each player had to decide which of these reference points should determine his movements.”

-Arrigo Sacchi

Making Play Predictable

• Allow the ball to be passed to a specific player, normally a full back or centre back

• When the ball is passed, quickly close down the player 1v1, cover space around the 1v1

• Support from behind the covering players with minimal distance to stay compact

• Alternate between man-man and zone • Pressing shape in 3 phases; High, Mid, Low Block • Try to press rarely in pairs; only special players • Ensure that the ‘pass radius’ is covered • Screening the front can be better than pressing

Making Play Predictable

• If attack play between the line, screen passing angles and push closer to the ball

• Cover angles behind the midfield press line

• If attack play on the midfield line, leave a gap of 8m between each player to press each side

• If the attack play long, ‘half press’ with 2/3 to force it diagonal and wide, the rest drop off

• Stay in shape and stay compact horizontally and vertically

If unable to apply instant pressure, we will drop off into an organised block then close down with the nearest player to the ball when set Once organised, we can then press the ball and cover multiple players depending on the touch direction of the ball carrier

Stable Positions to Press/Drop

Winger loses ball; When we build the attack, with circulation we must all move with the ball and cover the area behind and inside the possession zone Here, the FB is deep with the DM, the near side CM is close to the ball while the far side CM is able to get into the box and cover the space next to the DM.


Winger loses ball; When we build the attack, with circulation we must all move with the ball and cover the area behind and inside the possession zone Here, the FB is deep with the DM, the near side CM is close to the ball while the far side CM is able to get into the box and cover the space next to the DM.


CB Pass interception Press man-man in immediate areas Back 4 organise into a back 3 as FB shifts wide. As the pass is played, the RB will drop off to track the wide midfielder as the RW tried to close down the CB, while the nearest CM blocks a forward pass. The far side CM narrows in to press the CM behind




The DM tracks the runner to CB, the CB drifts to RB to cover the RB who is high. The RCM chases the wide pass to play 2v1 on the side while the RW drops into CM to cover the inside. If play is won here, we hit the RB (blue) and counter attack If we are pushed back and win it near the goal, we pass back and start from the GK or go down the line to RW/RB.


In the centre of the field, we cover the field across all zones behind the ball, prioritizing the centre with more players to cover. The LB will tuck in and allow the WF to stretch the play if the oppo WM tracks him When possession is lost, we close down the immediate area, the back 2 drop off as the DM plays 1v1 with the CF

Stable Positions; Recover 2nd ball

From a wide position where a cross will be made, we want to be able to recover the 2nd ball should the defence clear the ball From this position, the full back has to cross as his support isn’t in good positions, so we will attack with 4 – FP, BP, PS We will have 1 arrive late on 18 yards and 3 recover 25m out.

Organised Defending Vertical Phases;

High Block Mid Block Low Block

Defensive System Guidelines

Always Track Runners from

Midfield

No more than 12m between players

4 Defensive Reference Points

Press when organised

Drop off when unable to press

Counter-Press within 2.3 seconds

Tracking Midfield Runners

Tracking Runners To keep the defensive line high and the units compact, midfielders track runs from deep to stop the defence from being forced to drop off. If the AM runs from the centre diagonally, the DM will track the run onto the defensive line then back out into midfield if the CB can take the man If not, he goes to CB

Tracking Midfield Runners

Tracking Runners Here, the FB chips a pass into the channel which is exposed, so the DM tracks the runner from midfield into the space and plays 1v1, keeping the defensive line intact while it becomes 5-4-1 If the runner checks out, he stays with him and we reshape into a 4-1-4-1 in a low zonal block The CB can’t get dragged over!

High Block Organisation 4-3-3

4-3-3 High Block We will try to close off access into the centre of the field and ‘trap’ the play in wide zones to overload and recover 3v2 or 4v3. The Front players will block passing lanes while the Midfield will stay compact and close to the front and look to press from behind man-man if possible. The back 4 will stay compact to midfield.

High Block Organisation 4-4-1-1

4-3-3 to 4-4-1-1 We will try to close off access into the centre of the field and ‘trap’ the play in wide zones to overload and recover 3v2 or 4v3. The Front players will block passing lanes while the Midfield will stay compact and close to the front and look to press from behind man-man if possible. The back 4 will stay compact to midfield.


Forcing the Long Ball As the RB is under high pressure with no inside options, the ball will go long. The LB will drop off early with the LCM moving over to help on the side, the back 4 drop as a unit with the midfield to recover the ball and restart from the GK

Transition to Counter attack

Forcing the Long Ball As the RB is under high pressure with no inside options, the ball will go long. The LB will drop off early with the LCM moving over to help on the side, the back 4 drop as a unit with the midfield to recover the ball and restart from the GK with the RCM in the channel looking to find the RW between the lines & RB high.


4-3-3 High Block Make Play Predictable; Pass to RB The LW will stand on the ‘wrong side’ and leave the passing angle open with every player ready to press the LB when he receives the pass. We will the drop the CF in on the blindside to press the #6 from behind

High Block Organisation 4-4-1-1

4-4-1-1 High Block We will play man-man across midfield as the LCM drops into DM to block the pass into the front players, playing man-man across midfield The pressing LCM should force play inside to regain. As the FB has only 1 pass open – the far side CB switch, the CF must play in the angle of that pass able to press the near side centre back

Mid Block Organisation Man-Man

Mid Block Man-Man Near side CM moves closer to the deepest midfielder as the CF drops onto the other We will keep the CMs close to the CBs as the far side winger shifts wider and deeper to cover the long pass exits. Near side FB engages winger 1v1 CBs close to CF, one deeper to cover long ball behind

Mid Block Organisation Man-Man

Mid Block Man-Man As the ball is moved across the back, the marking changes as we stay man-man, the near side CM blocks the channel pass into the winger The midfield stay compact with the defence as the front line mark across the line and leave the far side players free but where the FB and winger can shift over

Mid Block Organisation Zonal

Mid Block Man-Man As the ball is moved across the back, the marking changes as we stay man-man, the near side CM blocks the channel pass into the winger The midfield stay compact with the defence as the front line mark across the line and leave the far side players free but where the FB and winger can shift over

Low Block Organisation Zonal

Low Block Zonal When the ball is in the back, we look to create defensive triangles across the field, covering spaces and marking zonally, dropping from 4-3-3 into a 4-1-4-1 or higher and flat 4-5-1 to block off passing angles to players between the lines with the defence higher

Organised Defending Defending when overloaded

4-1-4-1 low block

3v2 on the side 5v3 in the centre How to prioritize

How to regain control

Defending on the side overloaded

3v2 overloaded We will prioritize blocking the central access, so the winger will drop in and pay central, leaving the FB to receive and possibly cross from a deep, inefficient area. If the FB goes back to circulate, we drop and slide as a block then look to secure the middle before pressing when triggers are made.

Defending on the side overloaded

3v2 overloaded If the winger is too high to play 3v2, the nearest non-marking CM will shift over an help the FB, as the other CM tracks the runner in the channel when the ball is passed back to the FB, the winger may be able to engage in pressing from behind and panic him into a mistake and allow us to regain and counter Go direct to goal!

Defending the middle overloaded

5v3 overloaded Defenders back 3 If the 2 wide midfielders tuck in to use 5 central midfielders, our far side full back will move into midfield and leave 3 at the back with the LCB covering the direct ball over the top. The CM will mark the winger, CF will man mark DM, as the ball carrier is pressed once the marking is set and stable.


5v3 overloaded Full Backs Marking DM made back 3 If the full backs track the runs inside, the DM will drop between the CBs who will cover the space behind the FBs The CF and CM will mark while the extra CM will press 1v1 once the marking is set and stable behind the press Wingers track FB runs behind


5v3 overloaded Full Backs Marking DM made back 3 If the full backs track the runs inside, the DM will drop between the CBs who will cover the space behind the FBs The CF and CM will mark while the extra CM will press 1v1 once the marking is set and stable behind the press Wingers track FB runs behind


5v3 overloaded Far side Winger in Back 4 in place If the winger moves inside, the winger of our side will narrow up and pick them up. The full back will stay wide and cover the 3rd man run of the full back outside. DM drops in to form a 5-4-1 The CM can press once we the marking is set and stability around the press is ready.

Transitional Attacking Rules upon regain; Winning the ball in the defensive line

Regain at Full Back Passing Priorities

Pass to winger

Pass to Striker

Pass behind FB

Diagonal Switch to far side winger


FB regain 1st pass We expect to be pressed, and want to attack the space behind the opponent, so we will look to attack via the winger, the CF or into the space behind or on the far side. We will attack with 3 very quickly, with 1 supporting form midfield, to move the defensive block up to win space and push up higher.

Transitional Attacking Rules upon regain; Winning the ball in the defensive line

Regain at Centre Back

Passing Priorities

Pass to winger

Pass to Striker

Pass to AM

Diagonal Switch to far side winger


1ST CB pass We expect to be pressed, and we want to exploit the space behind the opponent, so we will go forward quickly to goal. Our 1st pass should evade any pressure that may be placed on us, to CF, behind the FB or to the far side winger, directly if possible. If the CM can take, then he can attack.

Attacking Corner Kicks 3 back + GK

1 taker 1 Edge of Box

5 inside the box

Attacking v Man-Man Marking

Front Post Corner Purple – Blocker Green – Blocker Blue – Front post Red – back post The purple will block the front defender Green will block the tracker of blue Red will arc away to the back post Blue will run round the blockers and get to the front zone to head across goal Maroon will cover infront of keeper


Front Post Corner Purple – Blocker Green – Blocker Blue – Front post Red – back post The purple will block the front defender Green will block the tracker of blue Red will arc away to the back post Blue will run round the blockers and get to the front zone to head across goal Maroon will cover infront of keeper


Back Post Corner Purple – Blocker Blue – Back post Red – Penalty Spot Green – 6m line Maroon – Front post Triangle at 16m Purple will block the marker of blue Blue arc round back Red to 12m Maroon for head across goal rebound Attack loose balls!






8m delivery corner Block GK approach Blue – front post Red – Block GK Purple – Front Post Green – Back centre Maroon – Back post 2 edge of the box to recover 2nd ball and recycle play


8m delivery corner Block GK approach Blue – front post Red – Block GK Purple – Front Post Green – Back centre Maroon – Back post 2 edge of the box to recover 2nd ball and recycle play

Defending Corners Mixed-Marking

Example set up 3 on Goal Line 3 on 6m line

3 marking 1 edge of box

1 long

Defending – GK high start position

GK 4m starting point Mixed Marking 3 on goal line GK Out 2 on 6m line; F&B GK command area highlighted 4 man-marking With GK at 4m, we can catch anything around 8m After 8m he will drop back to the line and the 3 will step up Markers stop entry to 6m line, compete!

Defending – Mixed-Marking

Mixed Marking 3 at 2m GK Out 2 on 6m line; F&B 4 man-marking With GK at 4m, we can catch anything around 8m After 8m he will drop back to the line and the 3 will step up Markers stop entry to 6m line, compete!

Defence; Mixed-Marking no posts

No posts coverage Mixed Marking 3 at 2m GK Out 2 on 6m line; F&B 4 man-marking With GK at 4m, we can catch anything around 8m After 8m he will drop back to the line and the 3 will step up Markers stop entry to 6m line, compete!

Defence; v Short Corner

No posts covered Form 4-4-1 shape 2 closest front zone players go out 2v2 Mark a player and move defence up

Defence; v Short Corner

No posts covered Form 4-4-1 shape 2 closest front zone players go out 2v2 Track runners, stay tight and compete if the ball is delivered Block anything short in circled area Be aware of long cross to back post

Defending Throw in’s Final 3rd

Middle 3rd Opposition 3rd

Throw in; Final 3rd

Man-Man system Form 4-4-1-1 shape 1-4-2-2-1 sideways WM mark thrower Mark and track players in proximity Force throw back or into trouble Stay compact Attack loose balls Move up as a unit Don’t break shape Look to counter via the AM and CF

Throw in; Middle 3rd

Man-Man system Form 3-3-2-2 shape Block the centre ‘Flip’ the 4-4-1-1 towards the side Block the receiver down the line Block the striker Block the AM Block the CM Force throw that will be regained and counter attacked from with 3 players between CB & FB

Throw in; Opposition 3rd

Man-Man system Form 3-3-3-1 shape Block the centre ‘Flip’ the 4-4-1-1 towards the side Block the receiver down the line Block the striker Block the AM Block the CM Force throw that will be regained and counter attacked from with 3 players between CB & FB

Documents

BBFS Model of Play Stevie Grieve June 2015a