Principles of Play in the Modern Game

National Staff Coach US Youth and US Soccer glenbuckleysoccer.com

Principles of Play

PRINCIPLES OF ATTACK PRINCIPLES OF DEFENSE

Penetration Pressure – immediate chase

Depth – support (angle and

distance)

Delay – get goal-side

Mobility – unbalancing (off-the-ball

runs)

Depth – cover

Width – switch the point of attack Balance – get ball-side

Improvisation Compactness – concentration

Control and restraint

Principles of Play PLAYER ROLE PRINCIPLE

1st Attacker Penetration

2nd Attacker Support

3rd Attacker Width and Depth

1st Defender Pressure and Delay

2nd Defender Depth

3rd Defender Balance

Applying The Principles of Play But First some questions and analysis

• How are goals scored?

• Where was possession regained?

• Why is scoring the first goal so important?

• Transition …..How ?…Roles of the individual

• Thirds and channels of the field

• Proactive versus reactive

South Africa 2010

64 Games Total Goals 145 # Total Goals from Set Plays 35 • After a Corner 10 • Direct free kick 5 • Following a free Kick 10 • Penalty 9 • Throw In 1 24% of all goals from Set Plays

Open Play First Goal Analysis Transition

Time from regaining the ball to scoring

Number of first goals 38

% of first goals in open play

Cumulative % of first goals in open play

0 -5 seconds 11 29%

6 -10 6 16% 45%

11-15 5 13% 58%

16-20 4 10% 68%

21 -25 8 21% 89%

26 -30 3 8% 97%

31 – 35 36 Seconds +

1 0

3% 100%

First Goal : Where was the ball regained in open play?

First goal – Where was the ball regained

%

In the Attacking Third 40%

In the Middle Third 23%

In the Defending third 37%

The Thirds and Channels of the Field

Implication –Strategy- Tactics-

Coaching Applying the Principles of Defense.

i. Immediate chase and pressure. Try to win the ball in the attacking 1/3rd or defensive 1/3rd

ii. Delay in middle 1/3rd make play predictable, track forward runs, keep play in front.

iii. Defensive shape to counter. Proactive, seeking to gain the initiative

iv. Transition: Fast break, switch the point of attack

Implication –Strategy- Tactics-

Coaching Applying the Principles of Attack

i. Fast Break Attack. Penetrate, run with the ball, pass forward, switch the point of attack, shot on goal within 7 seconds of regaining possession

ii. Support around the ball following run or pass

iii. Movement to and from wide areas away from the ball to unbalance defense, runs between and behind defenders

iv. Maintain defensive shape and cover, to regain possession and counter [Fast break attack]

Questions

Have the principles of the game changed?

If so how?

Do the principles change between the youth and adult game?

If so how do we prepare youth players differently?

Summary

• The principles of play have probably not changed.

• Soccer remains a territorial raiding game

• The game is probably faster, played with a lighter ball and while possession of it is still important, it would appear that “Fast Break Attacking” is more often than not the way to score goals.

Summary

• Applying the principles to that end will probably prove successful

• The ability of the individual to execute the correct technique on demand

• The ability of the individual and small groups to make the correct decisions

• Cumulating in team success