In this first entry of the TRAINING section we focus on occupying the space left by the defender, as we discussed in Sassuolo's analysis. In this case we want to reproduce an ofensive structure like the one we saw in the video: a back 4, 2 midfielders and an offensive midfielder.
We propose a situation game to train the occupation of the sapce left by the pressing player in a continuous way and for both teams when they are in possession of the ball. To achieve the objective, we divide the playing space in 4 channels, 3 zones, and 2 point zones, one for each team, highlighted in yellow in the video below. The objective of the drill is to bring the ball to the corresponding points zone and, continuously, move to the defending phase. The attaczking team will play in a structure 2.4.1 (which could be 2 centre backs, 2 full backs/wingers, 2 midfielders, and an offensive midfielder) while the defending team will play in a 4.2 structure.
The only causing rule of this drill is that ALWAYS there must be a defender in the box where the ball is. If we take a look at the initial shape, at the start of the drill the centre backs will be always the players having free space, in such a way that when they receive pressure from a defender, the offensive midfielders will have free space and they will need to make sure that they open a passing line with the holder of the ball. It must be noted that if the defending team decides to press high, as there is no offside rule, the free player will be the offensive midfielder, such that the attacking team will be able to progress faster.
As coaches, we must pay attention to several aspects:
The continuous generation of space given the causing rule. We must tell the attacking team to constantly look/find the free box, especially the future receiver of the ball. Furthermore we must insist in the efficient occupation of that space (offering a passing line and with the adequate body position).
Make sure that the attaking line of 4 does not offer passing lines on a same axis, but at different heights in order to make it harder for the defending team. We can use the boxes as a reference for this matter.
Encourage reception of the ball in-between the lines to attract players inside/outside to then play outside/inside.
VARIATIONS
If we see that the drill does not really work as planned, we can add the following causing rule:
The defending team, apart of having to accomplish with the initial causing rule, must occupy a maximum of 3 channels.
With this new causing rul, the attacking team will start with more space initially and it should be easier to progress in the game.
On the other hand, if our team is able to get the dynamics of the game quickly and easily, we can modify the rules of the game by adding the offside rule. Adding it, it will make it harder for the attacking team as the free space will be dramatically reduced and, at the same time, it will provide a more realistic approach to the drill. This will also promote receptions in-between the lines.
Lastly, we can add 2 neutral player, one in each points zone, who will act as keeper/striker. In this case, the objective of the drill is to play with the furthest away neutral player so we add more dynamism to the drill.
Did you like this drill? Do you have any questions? Leave us a comment or get in touch!
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