The Development years - Direct (Kickball) versus Possession Style

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

Ok Cryuff. Which clubs or coaches are teaching BOTH at a young age? You’re full of crap. The other poster said it right, coaches “teach” direct because it’s easier. Grab some drills off youtube and go. You have top level kids in the area that can’t trap or pass or shoot with proper technique at age 17 and we are having this conversation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Accurate long passes are realistic at what age? How about being able to bring those passes down? Breaking lines can be taught with short passes on the ground as well at younger ages. Punting at younger ages isn’t breaking lines. It is kickball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some players who make it all the way are very smart. Others aren’t. Not many are outright dumb, but there’s a lot more to it than IQ. If IQ were as much king as you think it is, soccer fields would be ruled by nerds. They are not.

Some dumb soccer coach at a big club in the DMV told us his best players weren’t very smart (probably because the kickball style requires zero intelligence). It goes against several scientific studies on elite soccer players around the world.

When professional soccer players were tested on “executive function”—a key aspect in memory, multitasking, and creativity—they scored significantly higher than the general population. In fact, elite players belonged to the best 2 to 5 percent of the total population, says Predrag Petrovic, Ph.D., the lead researcher and professor at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute In Stockholm analysed the cognitive performance of footballers in Sweden's top flight as well as a lower league and concluded that the players who scored most highly in the test tended to score the most goals. In addition, top division footballers outperformed lower division ones and footballers as a whole were in the top two percentile for the population by this measure. The measure the scientists used was broader than IQ, taking into account the players' creativity, cognitive flexibility, working memory and processing speed.

According to La Vanguardia magazine, the midfield of Barcelona and Spain team, has an IQ score of 170, much higher than IQ of the rest of the world. Pique was considered to have an IQ level of 140 in the past. However, in the interview of La Vanguardia, his father, Joan Pique, stated that his son had just done the IQ test again and his newest IQ score is 170. With that IQ score, Pique has overcome Frank Lampard and become the most intelligent football player in the world and also higher than Albert Einstein (160). Because of the highest IQ score, the Catalan midfield is ranked in top 0,001% super brilliant people in the world.

Many start playing young and forgo formal education which is why there is a false perception on their intelligence.

One of the scientists involved in the study, Torbjõrn Vestberg, was not surprised by the findings.
"To be a footballer you must have physical ability and speed," he said. "But that doesn't help if you don't have a brain that knows what to do."

This is all very interesting but does not counter my point. Not all field players need to be such masters. Different roles require different abilities. The smartest players may be deficient in other areas and not make it to the highest levels. Those even smarter and mentally faster may never make it onto the field due to physical limitations, coordination deficits, etc.. Even when competing at the highest levels, the smartest players often do not carry the day. Spain and Barcelona included. It’s a game that encompasses many different aspects, despite the obsession with the combination of “soccer IQ” and possession shown by one or two on this forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some players who make it all the way are very smart. Others aren’t. Not many are outright dumb, but there’s a lot more to it than IQ. If IQ were as much king as you think it is, soccer fields would be ruled by nerds. They are not.

Some dumb soccer coach at a big club in the DMV told us his best players weren’t very smart (probably because the kickball style requires zero intelligence). It goes against several scientific studies on elite soccer players around the world.

When professional soccer players were tested on “executive function”—a key aspect in memory, multitasking, and creativity—they scored significantly higher than the general population. In fact, elite players belonged to the best 2 to 5 percent of the total population, says Predrag Petrovic, Ph.D., the lead researcher and professor at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute In Stockholm analysed the cognitive performance of footballers in Sweden's top flight as well as a lower league and concluded that the players who scored most highly in the test tended to score the most goals. In addition, top division footballers outperformed lower division ones and footballers as a whole were in the top two percentile for the population by this measure. The measure the scientists used was broader than IQ, taking into account the players' creativity, cognitive flexibility, working memory and processing speed.

According to La Vanguardia magazine, the midfield of Barcelona and Spain team, has an IQ score of 170, much higher than IQ of the rest of the world. Pique was considered to have an IQ level of 140 in the past. However, in the interview of La Vanguardia, his father, Joan Pique, stated that his son had just done the IQ test again and his newest IQ score is 170. With that IQ score, Pique has overcome Frank Lampard and become the most intelligent football player in the world and also higher than Albert Einstein (160). Because of the highest IQ score, the Catalan midfield is ranked in top 0,001% super brilliant people in the world.

Many start playing young and forgo formal education which is why there is a false perception on their intelligence.

One of the scientists involved in the study, Torbjõrn Vestberg, was not surprised by the findings.
"To be a footballer you must have physical ability and speed," he said. "But that doesn't help if you don't have a brain that knows what to do."

This is all very interesting but does not counter my point. Not all field players need to be such masters. Different roles require different abilities. The smartest players may be deficient in other areas and not make it to the highest levels. Those even smarter and mentally faster may never make it onto the field due to physical limitations, coordination deficits, etc.. Even when competing at the highest levels, the smartest players often do not carry the day. Spain and Barcelona included. It’s a game that encompasses many different aspects, despite the obsession with the combination of “soccer IQ” and possession shown by one or two on this forum.

Last few posters and posts have been good. They understand the necessary balance. Passing and moving off the ball with purpose is the point, be it penetrating passes, over the top passes, splitting passes, diagonal balls, switching the field, or small triangles. Teach kids to have a purpose when they pass, dribble, defend, and move off the ball. Teach the parents too in order to reinforce good habits and not promote bad ones. This is the essence of coaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

LMAO. Get over yourself already!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

While theoretically a correct sentiment, spoken by someone who never had to really play defense. Thankfully, he had Puyol playing behind him his whole career.

[Anonymous]

Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

I agree. However, my daughter plays for one of Alexandria's blue teams, and the team really isn't good enough to do this effectively. They either don't understand it, or (in the case of my daughter) understand how to do it for one position, and lose understanding/ability to execute when they are rotated to another position (which is still required for her age group).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

LMAO. Get over yourself already!

Gotta love these guys that know more than Xavi.

[Anonymous]

All I can say is that my son's Alexandria team was never really able to get how to play possession style this year. The team did terribly, and we always seemed to have the ball in our half of the field and were never able to move it forward. In almost every game, the "man of the match" for our team was the goalie. It could just be that the team wasn't very good. However, in one of our games, the ref commented that he could "sort of see what we were trying to do, but it wasn't working."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

LMAO. Get over yourself already!

Gotta love these guys that know more than Xavi.

Nah, just know more than YOU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

LMAO. Get over yourself already!

Gotta love these guys that know more than Xavi.

Nah, just know more than YOU.

If you are using “nah,” you are either too young to have seen Xavi play or are pretending to be that young, in which case you probably have very little insight to share with us. But please, keep trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In a way, yes. Although balance is needed. Playing out the back and possession/position play is designed to bait the opponent into pressing higher up, which opens up space behind the defensive bloc and between the lines so you can make second and third level passes. Not so much kickball, but accurate long passes with a purpose. Of course the foundation for everything comes out of technical proficiency and an understanding of why you are doing things. It’s cause-effect and using the ball as a tool to move the opponent and creating/closing down the space they might move into/away from. If the opponent doesn’t press up, then you can remain patient, maintain control and switch the POA to create penetration, once again manipulate the space/opponent and create scoring chances, assisting the assist or getting advanced area actions (penetration).

Correct. That is the balanced approach and it requires decision making. Good post. The other posters that don’t understand this, simply never will. They will cling to their pure possession style of play and their kids will be worse off for it. Possession is great, as is direct. Teach, learn, and use both.

What that poster just described IS possession soccer. If possession-based teams are not playing that way, they aren't doing it right (which could be normal/ok depending on where they are in the learning process). That could have been written to describe exactly how every one of Pep's teams play. If you think that's because he is "balanced" between direct and possession soccer, you haven't been paying attention. It is always about creating and attacking space. Play out of the back (or play back during the run of play instead of going forward into pressure), to draw the defense in. If their forwards press but their defenders don't push up, there will be space for the midfielders between the lines. If their whole team moves up in a high press, there will be space behind their back line - and that's the pass that should be played.

When a team that is trying to play possession is unable to do that, it is often because they lack the passing range. Another issue is midfielders "checking in", without getting on the 1/2 turn, so they can't see the forward passing options, and they end up playing back when they shouldn't have. So the team just broke pressure, didn't realize it, and puts themselves under pressure again.

Here are some better clues to tell whether a team is playing possession or direct.

1. When the GK gets the ball (either on a GK or during run of play), does the back line immediately get in shape to provide options to play short (CBs dropping deep and opening up, FBs getting wide and pushing up), or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to be blasted over their heads? Do the CMFs look to get open and receive the ball, or do they just stand there, waiting for the ball to go long or wide, because they and the whole team have been taught it's wrong to pass "up the middle"?

2. Long balls over the top or through gaps for a fast forward to run onto to exploit the space behind a high defensive line = good possession soccer. Long 50-50 balls with an emphasis on winning the 2nd ball = going direct.

3. Does the team try to pass their way out of and around/through pressure, even in their own defensive 3rd, or do the defenders reflexively clear it in these situations, and how does the coach respond when they do?

4. Exploiting space in wide areas and looking to pick out runners in the box = good possession based soccer. Calling for "service" into the box - just "putting it into the mixer" - even when the other team has a numerical advantage - is the essence of direct play.

That's a start anyway.

This is going to be WAYYYYYYY over the heads of some of the self-proclaimed genius dads here.

For number 3, hearing teams scream “get it out” all game long is a team that has not been taught to deal with pressure and create numerical advantages precisely due to that pressure.

The middle of the field, especially in the attacking end is virtually ignored by all but few teams at all levels in this country with the ball sent wide only to be crossed in on a hope and a prayer over and over all game long.

Xavi, one of the best midfielders of all time said:

“Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat.”

LMAO. Get over yourself already!

Gotta love these guys that know more than Xavi.

Nah, just know more than YOU.

If you are using “nah,” you are either too young to have seen Xavi play or are pretending to be that young, in which case you probably have very little insight to share with us. But please, keep trying.

You take yourself far too seriously, and it shows every time you post.