Possession “Playing Away From Pressure”
In soccer possession is the ability to keep the ball without losing it to the opponent. Without the ball, scoring is not possible and without scoring winning is not possible. Therefore possession is one of the keys to winning. Possession can become quite complex. One way to teach possession is to teach fundamental principles of play. By teaching principles instead of "plays" the players learn concepts of the game and incorporate them into play instead of simply thinking "I must possess" Playing with these principles of play will result in possession.
- Play the way you face
Often as a player the first instinct is to turn and go at the goal. Sometimes this is the wrong choice. It is often quicker and easier to pass the ball in the direction you are facing, with either one or two touches, than it is to turn and dribble at four or five defenders. Players should be trained to "play the way you face" and speed of play will increase making possession easier.
- Play away from pressure
Again, most players want to turn into pressure. Players should be trained to make the easy play playing away from pressure. Instead of dribbling into five defenders, pull a move, turn away from pressure and play back to a teammate. The end result will be a team still in possession as opposed to a team that is now defending.
- Check to the ball in seams
Players should be trained to maintain length and width, thus establishing a good shape. This will create seams. Once seams are created players should be trained to show to ball in this space. Focus on the timing of this run. Too late and the ball will be lost, too early and there will be no space to play the ball. Focus on the verbal cues, speaking, and non verbal cues such as eye contact, body movement and control of the ball. First players should be trained to show in the seams, and then they can be taught when to make the pass and when to show in the seams.
- Pass and dribble on diagonals.
Playing flat in the back and middle is a sure way to give up a goal to the opponent on a counter attack. When coaching, players should be trained to attack on diagonals. Players should be encouraged to dribble on a diagonal which creates multiple options. Players should be encouraged to pass on diagonals as this is more effective because it is more difficult to defend.
- Support on good angles
Again, playing flat (horizontal) balls is ineffective so play on diagonals. When playing this way it is important to support on good angles. Therefore support must come at angles in the passing lanes (created by the proper shape). Furthermore, support comes from every player throughout a game so players’ roles are constantly changing as the ball moves. Be sure that the entire team not only understands positioning but also the proper body position when in support.
- Make a pass and run forward
After passing, it is common in younger players to make the mistake of watching the ball. Players should be trained to make a pass and then move in the same direction of the pass. Again, this does not apply at all times, especially in the attacking third, but in most instances passing a ball and moving in that direction is very effective. It will keep the attack dynamic and will force the defenders to constantly adjust. Sometimes this movement is only three feet, sometimes it is sprint down the line; it depends on the game. What is important however, is that after a pass, the player moves in the direction of the pass; “Play the way you face, run the way you play.”
- Receive the ball across your body into space.
Reception of the ball is one of the more important aspects of the game that is quite often overlooked. Though this is not true all of the time it is true often enough to be a principle. Players should be trained to receive the ball across their body into space such that the ball is in front of their feet facing the open space. There will certainly be times when players will not receive across their body, but the end result will be the same; moving to open space. The only other option is to receive a ball into a corner or facing away from the rest of the team. This leaves the player in possession with very few options. Therefore players should be trained to receive across the body (most of the time) to move into the most effective space.
Speed of Play: First touch
First touch is the key to successful speed of play. Speed of play is the key to successful possession at higher levels. Players should be trained to take a proper first touch within the tactical sessions. There are only four ways in which a first touch can be taken.These are listed in preferable options when attacking.
Whennever possible the players should learn to take a first touch forward to go forward in the attack whenever possible. This happens when the defense is off the ball and the player receiving has space to touch forward. Additionally as he should be looking forward to see quality attacking options that will allow him to maintain possession of the ball.
If a forward touch is not possible, due to a defender, the next best option is to take a backward touch to go forward with a second touch. When the player receiving is cut off by a defender from going forward a touch backward, to get past the defender, followed by opening the hips and attacking in a forward direction is the next best option. This will often occur when the defender marking the player receiving closes quickly but the rest of the defense is not behind the ball.
If these options are not viable then the third conceivable options is to take a backward first touch to play a backward pass. When the defense is tight and the entire team is behind the ball and ball side going forward may not be an option. In this case going backward to pass backward will allow continued possession.
A final options is a forward touch to then play backwards. It is rare to take a forward touch and then to play backward. If the first touch is forward this indicates there is space to go forward, so going backward is counter-intuitive as the first touch is forward and away from the defense which is behind. That is not to say this never happens but it is much rarer than the other three.
Using the Dutch Diamond is a great way to train these techniques.
Therefore when receiving the thought process should progress as follows:
1) Forward-forward: The first touch is forward leading to a forward pass or dribble. Examples of forward-forward touches are right foot touch, right footed pass: right-right. The same applies to the left foot. Left-left. The first touch is across the body into space with the left foot, followed by a second touch with the left foot.
2) Backward-forward: The first touch is backward, followed by a second touch forward. Examples of this would be a right footed touch backwards followed by a left footed pass forward: Right-left. The same applies the opposite direction. Left-right. This occurs when the defender is in front preventing a forward touch. As the ball approaches the hips turn to facebackwards for the first touch, then immediately open up to face forward for the second touch.
3) Backward-backward: The firsttouch is backward, followed by a backward second touch. Examples of this are outside of right foot receiving followed by a right footed pass backwards.
4) Forward-backward: The first touch is forward, the second touch is backward. Examples of this would be a left footed touch forward, turning the hips and playing a ball backwards with either foot. This type of touch is almost never used as it makes no sense.
**Finally to improve speed of play players should be trained to look before receiving. By doing so and "taking a mental picture" of the field they will know which of the three touches is required and thus be able to take an accurate first touch.**
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