Tactical decisions so the team in possession of the ball achieves width when attacking and become more compact defensively fixing distances for coverages and defensive support.
Both the speed of play and the attraction of the rivals in order to free the farther players are important in order to attack. We will have to do shiftings so the rival has to change its position.
The defensive transition begins with the previous movements before we lose the ball. In this tactical transition drill, we will practice it together with the pressing after losing possession. The team that attacks practices the ball retention as the main tactical offensive objetive.
To know when is the right moment to play the ball into the middle is something key for our players. To make them understand it, we will practice the ball circulation, the game speed and the change of pace. We will practice also how to get back in shape when we defend and be wide when we attack. Those are two basic aspect of the offensive and defensive transitions.
Ball retention, body orientation (One of Guardiola’s biggest obsession) to receive the ball from the exterior neutral player who has advantage through the guided discovery learning method. The defensive anticipations will make the attackers be on the right body shape to retain the ball and switch the play.
To achieve an appropriate players’ distribution in the free spaces, to switch the game successfully, to choose either checking to the ball or checking away… this drill will make you players think and take decisions.
To associate the beginning of the change of pace with the reception of the ball by one of your midfielders in an advantageous situation, will make you achieve a higher tactical finishing level. You will also generate situations in which you will be able to get the ball to a free man and a third man.
A tactical drill in which the players have to pass the ball to each other trying to gain offensive timing in order to attract the rival and then play the ball to mid-distance players or to the ones who are far away from the ball.
