The Technical Side of the Possession Game:
In order to obtain success in the possession game, the technical side becomes vital. By mastering the ability of receiving the ball (also known as first touch) the player increases his/hers chances to succeed in the possession game style. It is also vital that the appropriate side of the player’s foot is used to progress this technique. Most of the time, during games the inside of the foot will be used to receive and pass the ball. Ball control is fundamental. Mastering the capability of receiving and distributing the ball accurately is key ingredient to the success of the player’s development and better adaptation for the possession game. The use of both feet to perfect the collection and distribution of the ball is firmly suggested. The Tactical Side of the Possession Game:
Tactics - def: organizing and maneuvering, finding and implementing a means to achieve obejctive or goals. Tactical skill is the application of individual technical skill to the flow of the game, (working) together with other players, to achieve objectives and goals. There can be offensive and defensive tactics.
At the youth level, tactics can be simply learning triangles, movement without the ball, and the drop, square and through passes. Advancing in age brings tactics like give-andgo, changing the field, overlaps and counter-flow. Defensive tactic examples are pressure, cover, balance and learning when to double down or double team a player with the ball.
There are other examples, like…
Searching for space, supporting the play, maintaining shape Learning position roles and responsibilities Strategies for attack, defense and controlling the midfield.
All this comes together in the “Formation” of play. The formation, shape and system that is adopted by the coach will determine the chances of success or failure of the Possession game style. The Player Development Committee recommends a 3-2-2 ( 8x8 matches) and a 4-3-3 ( 11x11 matches). This formation best enables the possession game and also serves as an instructional or developmental formation, teaching (central) midfield play, overlaps, maintaining shape, aggressive wing attackers/defenders, and changing the field. 11 x 11 matches: The 4-3-3 won’t be much different compared to the roles of the players of the 8x8 matches. It is for that reason that these formation are here reccommended. The obvious difference beside the soccer field’s dimension , is that one extra fullback will be added on the back, making him/her the fourth player. The roles of the right and left defenders remains the same (defending once the team is being attacked and creating support as outlets on the flanks while team is attacking).
The shape of the mid-fielders will gain a form of a triangle while defending and a “reverse triangle” while attacking. While attacking 1 mid-fielders stay central. This enables up to 2 of the 3 mid-fielders to attack up the middle and sometimes via the flank of the field. Again, keep in mind that at least one mid-fielder while attacking stays centralized, not very involved with the play, in order to protect the central front of the back four in case of his/hers team turns the ball over.
The three forwards up front, having two players wide open on both sides and another one more centralized ( between their 2 fullbacks) will play a more offensive role in the 1/3 final part of the field. The behavior of the two wings changes a little once the team isn’t possessing the ball. The two wings will squeezy a bit to the middle of the field to create a line of four. The player who plays on the top of the triangle (mid-field player) will hold it’s position some meters behing of the central forward.
The team will become compact due to not having the ball, making it difficult for the opposition to penetrate.
The Player Development Committee encourages these formation due to the distribution and shapes they create. Distributing the players in an organized and disciplined fashion on the field will increase the angles and it will benefit the possession game style.
The Player Development Committee is aware that as the match develops, it is sometimes necessary to modify formation, shapes and systems in order to better obtain a satisfactory outcome.
For example: if your team is ahead on the socre board and having to deal with the pressure of the opposition, know that is appropriate to take a conservative approach, changing the 3-2-2 to a 3-3-1 formation. ( 8x8) For the 11x11, would be appropriate to go from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation.
Know that the esssence of the 3-2-2 (8x8) and the 4-3-3 (11x11) formation is by itself offensive, assuming that the right information and movement of the players are been followed appropriatelly.
If your team is behind, on the 3-2-2 (8x8) the players should be even more encouraged to attack.
On the 4-3-3 (11x11) it would be appropriate to reverse the traingle of the midfielder players ( 2-1/shape to 1-2/shape) having now only one hold midfielder.
Keep in mind that attacking and defending should be always approached on a organized and disciplined fashion.
