Opening playing variants against various defense systems

Introduction

Apart from individual technical and tactical skills, practicing different systems of cooperation may be useful to structure the offense play and force the defense to move in order to score a goal.

This textbook gives detailed step-by-step descriptions of initial actions and possible options for continuous playing against different defense systems. The playing variants aim at creating situations through team play in which the players are able to eventually shoot at the goal. If this is not possible because the defense players are very well-positioned, there are various continuous playing and subsequent shooting options explained in this book.

The first chapter initially deals with simple cooperations such as crossings, parallel piston movements, and interactions with the pivot – the essential building blocks for many of the subsequent 6-on-6 playing variants. In the other chapters, we will present examples of how to overcome passive and active defense cooperations.

A lot of the opening playing variants can be modified and used against other defense systems as well. It would be ideal, however, if the players practiced their decision-making processes in such a way that they are capable to react to changing situations and to adapt their playing creatively. This way, playing variants could be modified and extended spontaneously and lead to new shooting options over and over.

Part E deals with fast break playing options and playing options following a fast throw-off. The two last chapters focus on offense play against outnumbered defense systems, whereas the main focus will be on playing with an additional field player (goalkeeper substitution) and playing a subsequent attack in numerical superiority with a seventh field player following a time penalty against the defending team.

Publishing Information

1st edition (24 Mar 2020)

Published by DV Concept

Editors, design, and layout: Jörg Madinger, Elke Lackner

Post-editing: Nina-Maria Nahlenz

ISBN: 978-3-95641-267-7

This publication is listed in the catalogue of the German National Library. Please refer to http://dnb.de for bibliographic data.

The work and its components are protected by copyright. No reprinting, photomechanical reproduction, storing or processing in electronic systems without the publisher's written permission.

Key

Attacking player

Defense player

Cone

Marker discs

Ball box

Pole

Small gym mat

Requirements

Simple sequence with few variants. The sequence may be used as an introduction to team play variants.

More complex sequence with several decision-making options on different positions; targeted against specific defense systems, to some extent. Three stars have also been allocated if special passing variants or catching techniques are required.

Complex sequence across several positions that requires good technical and tactical skills and a certain amount of experience of the players.

Part A: Cooperation in small groups
A1: Crossing and parallel piston movement

Recommended for overcoming these defense systems: all

Requirement:

Description:

In this series of exercises, the players develop crossing and parallel piston movements as cooperation options in width.

Key factors of success for the players initiating the piston/crossing movements:

- Vigorous initial action with binding of the defense player and hence creating space for the respective teammate.

- Breakthrough, if possible – depending on the respective defense player’s action.

Key factors of success for the teammate:

- Proper timing of the crossing and parallel piston movements.

- Decision: Crossing or parallel piston movement – depending on the defense players’ reactions.

Implementation:

Cooperation in width is a key prerequisite for the subsequent playing in larger groups and in the team against any defense system. Crossing and parallel piston movements are the fundamental building blocks of offense team play and are required in many playing sequences. The players should develop a good timing for the running and passing moves; this is why cooperation and team play should be practiced over and over in the individual training units.

A1.1 Preparatory exercise 1: Crossing

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

- Two players stand on the left back, the other players on the center back position; one player starts as defense player.

(Figure 1)

Course 1:

- starts by passing the ball to (A).

- dynamically runs in direction of and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

- approaches on the right side (D) so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg (to prevent a possible breakthrough of on the right), and then dynamically moves to the left (E).

should hold the ball with his left hand (i.e. the hand distant to the defense player) when moving to the left. The offense player’s body should be between the defense player and the ball. Here, in the example, the right-handed player holds the ball in his left hand when making the body feint to the left (figure 2).

(Figure 2)

- should move towards the goal dynamically and in such a way that must follow him in order to be able to prevent a breakthrough (F).

- Following the return pass (B), initially runs straight ahead (C).

- takes on the crossing, receives a pass (G), takes a turn towards the goal at top speed (H), and eventually shoots at the goal (J).

- Following the action, lines up for the left back position (K) and the players repeat the sequence with and .

- After a few rounds, the players should do the course on the other side, with the right back player, i.e. should initially do a piston movement to the left, take a dynamic turn to the right, into the crossing movement.

At the beginning of the exercise, should move along with the running feint movement of , but interact with a power of 70% only. He should allow the pass (G). In the further course of the exercise, should increase resistance gradually.

Course 2:

- The basic course remains the same as in course 1.

- should now try to break through on the right (H and J) or left side (L) directly.

- Only if a direct breakthrough is impossible, he should pass the ball into the crossing movement path (G).

- should make sure that he can pass the ball anytime during his action.

- now interacts with 100% power to prevent a breakthrough and may also try to prevent a pass.

A1.2 Preparatory exercise 2: Parallel piston movement

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

- The players stand on the left back and center back positions, spread evenly; two players start as defense players.

Course:

- starts the sequence with a pass to (A).

- dynamically runs in direction of and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

- moves a bit towards the right side of (C), so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg (to prevent a possible breakthrough of ), and then dynamically moves to the left (D).

- should prevent a breakthrough to the left (E); should support , as needed (F).

- As soon as moves to the inner side (F), receives a pass into his dynamic running movement path (G), breaks through, and shoots at the goal (H).

- Afterwards, repeat the sequence with the next two attacking players. and switch positions and line up again.

- Repeat the exercise on the right side after a few rounds.

- Switch the defense players at regular intervals.

In this basic exercise, should be forced to move to the inner side, so that can receive a pass and break through. may hold bibs in his armpits so that he cannot move freely and needs help from his teammates more often.

should start the parallel piston movement (G) in such a way that he receives the ball at full speed.

If has already moved along too far to the left, may also break through towards the center.

A1.3 Implementation: Crossing and parallel piston movement 2-on-2

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

Basic idea:

- The players now combine the two prior exercises, so that they have to make proper decisions several times in a row.

(Figure 1)

Course:

- starts the sequence with a pass to (A).

- dynamically runs in direction of and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

- moves a bit towards the right side of , so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg:

→ If does not move along to the inner side, breaks through directly (D) (= option 1).

→ If moves to the inner side (C), dynamically moves to the left and tries to break through directly (E) (= option 2).

- Depending on the defense players’ movement, should decide as follows:

→ If moves along to defend against the breakthrough (G), runs straight forward, receives a pass from into his running movement path (H), and eventually breaks through (N and J) (= option 3).

(Figure 2)

→ If closes the gap and stays on the outer side, takes on the crossing, receives the ball from (L), and breaks through to the inner side (M) (= option 4).

should carry out his actions at full speed and initially try to get a chance to shoot at the goal directly.

should initially keep both options open:

- Parallel piston movement (J).

- Taking on the crossing (L and M).

Competition:

- and carry out three defense actions against all attacking teams of 2.

- Following this, it is the next two players’ turn to play defense. Repeat until each player has played defense once.

- Which attacking teams of 2 have scored highest?

Add a feeder/receiver each on the left and right side of the playing corridor to make the free 2-on-2 play easier. This way, the players may start the initial action after receiving the feeder’s/receiver’s return pass, so they have more time to prepare for their piston movement.

A2: Interaction of the back position players with the pivot using the Russian Screen

Recommended for overcoming these defense systems: all

Requirement:

Description:

In this series of exercises, the players use a Russian Screen as a team play option in depth.

Factors of success for the pivot:

- Correct screening and proper timing to block the defense player’s movements.

- Leaving the screen in direction of the ball (not behind the defense player), as late as possible, however.

- Picking up the ball and shoot under pressure.

- Catch the ball with one hand, if necessary.

Factors of success for the back position player:

- Dynamic shifting.

- Making the correct decision depending on the defense player’s behavior: shoot / breakthrough or pass to the pivot.

- Different passing variants when passing the ball to the pivot.

Implementation:

The basic 2-on-2 cooperation with the pivot may be used against any defense systems, i.e. both against offensive defense systems (3-2-1 defense and 1-5 defense systems) and against a 6-0 defense system with forward-stepping defense players.

A2.1 Preparatory exercise 1: Series of shots for the back position player

Basic course:

- and each always carry out two actions in a row.

Course:

- starts the piston movement on the wing position and passes the ball into the running path of (A).

- steps forward towards the piston movement path of (B).

- makes an extensive body feint to the left, in front of (C).

- starts at 7-meter level, sidesteps to , and places a screening on the inner side (D).

- takes on the screening of , next to , dynamically moves to the inner side (E), and eventually makes a free jump shot at the goal (F).

- A bit delayed, the players start the same sequence on the other side, with (G).

- moves back again and then places the screening next to (H).

- And so on.

- and switch positions after the action.

should time the screening in such a way that he stands next to just before changes the direction and moves to the inner side (E).

A2.2 Implementation: Playing the Russian Screen 2-on-2

Basic course:

- and play defense together and try to defend against and .

- should not interfere but wait until it is his turn during the subsequent action on the other side.

(Figure 1)

Course (figure 1):

- starts the piston movement on the wing position and passes the ball into the running path of (A).

- initially stands close to .

- actively steps forward towards the piston movement path of (B).

- makes an extensive body feint to the left, in front of (C).

- leaves the screening next to , moves forward, and places a screening next to , on the inner side (D).

- takes on the screening of , next to , and dynamically moves to the inner side (E).

(Figure 2)

- If remains defensive, makes a jump shot at the goal (F) (= option 1).

- If actively makes a step forward, towards , leaves the screening next to , moves backward, receives a pass from (G), and eventually shoots at the goal (H) (= option 2).

Repeat on the left and right side alternately; the defense players should change sides.

should initially place a screen next to vigorously, before placing the screening next to (D).

A3: Direct passes to the pivot to overcome offensive defense systems

Recommended for overcoming these defense systems: 3-2-1, 3-3

Requirement:

Description:

With this series of exercises, the players develop different passing options to the pivot when playing against offensive defense systems.

Factors of success for the pivot:

- Screenings to gain positional advantage before receiving the ball.

- Proper catching under pressure – also with one hand only.

- Turning around and shooting under pressure.

Factors of success for the back position player:

- Different passing variants.

- Identifying situations in which the pivot is in a good position for receiving a pass, also while moving.

- Decision-making: Breakthrough, parallel pass or pass to the pivot.

Implementation:

Passes to the pivot following different initial actions are a factor of success against any defense system. The players initially play against offensive defense systems; usually, there are large gaps which can be used by the pivot, and passing the ball to the pivot is possible very frequently.

A3.1 Preparatory exercise 1: Passing to the pivot

Setting:

- The players each have a ball and stand on both back positions. They should stand broadly (close to the side line).

- One pivot and one defense player each stand on either side of the 7-meter line.

Basic position of the pivot:

- stands in basic position, placing a screen next to , and stretching the hand upward that is further away from the defense player, to catch a pass (figure 2).

- should keep the defense player behind by using his body and a proper leg posture.

- must not use his left arm for screening off (in the example), but rather hold it in front of his body.

(Figure 1)

Course:

- passes the ball to in direction of the latter’s hand stretched upward.

- should catch the ball with one hand (ideally) (A).

- As soon as he has caught the ball, turns around and shoots at the goal (B).

- Afterwards, the players start the sequence over on the other side, with and (C).

(Figure 2)

Instructions for the two defense players:

- At the beginning of the exercise, the defense player should allow the catching, turning and shooting moves.

- In the next step, the defense player should increase the pressure right before the pivot receives the pass and try to leave the screen.

- As soon as the pivot has received the ball, the defense player should vigorously try to prevent him from shooting at the goal.

The pivots should place the screening in such a way that the defense player always stands behind them.

A3.2 Preparatory exercise 2: Finding the right timing for a pass

Setting:

- The two foremost defense players ( and ) initially stand at the 9-meter line.

- The pivot and the respective defense player ( and ) start at the 7-meter line.

(Figure 1)

Course:

- passes the ball into the running path of (A).

- should move a bit to the left, towards , so that must sidestep towards the outer side in order to adjust his position (B).

(Figure 2)

→ places a screen next to (see previous exercise – figure 2).

- If the passing path to the inner side, i.e. to , is unobstructed, should pass the ball to directly (C).

- If the passing path to the inner side is obstructed, should try to break through to the inner side 1-on-1 (D).

→ should take care that his throwing hand is never blocked so that he can play a pass anytime.

- should try to prevent a breakthrough to the inner side (E).

- As soon as the passing path to has become free during the 1-on-1 action, the pass should be played (F) (figure 3).

(Figure 3)

The pass should ideally be played in direction of the hand stretched upward by , so that he ideally can catch it with one hand (figure 4).

(Figure 4)

- catches the ball, turns around immediately, and shoots at the goal (not in the figure).

- Afterwards, the players repeat the course on the other side. may take a short break; places the screen next to (H).

should keep his screening position in any case and must not leave his position to the left (G).

The ball may be passed to only if a diagonal pass is possible (green zone). If and stand in a line (red zone), might block the pass with his hand or catch the ball. A pass within the red zone is only possible if there is a significant distance between and .

A3.3 Preparatory exercise 3: Playing tricky passes

Setting:

- The two foremost defense players ( and ) initially stand at the 9-meter line.

- The pivot and the respective defense player ( and ) start at the 7-meter line.

(Figure 1)

Course:

- passes the ball into the running path of (A).

- should move a bit to the left, towards , so that must sidestep towards the outer side in order to adjust his position (B).

- tries to break through to the inner side (C) (figure 2).

→ should take care that his throwing hand is never blocked so that he can play a pass anytime.

- should try to prevent a breakthrough to the inner side by all means (D).

- plays a sideward pass to behind his head (E) (figure 3).

(Figure 2)

(Figure 3)

should take care not to collide with the defense player (offensive foul). When passing the ball, the player should only rotate his shoulder and arm.

- leaves his screening position next to , runs to the left, picks up the ball (figure 4), and shoots at the goal (E).

(Figure 4)

should keep his screening position for a long time nevertheless and must not start too early, as otherwise the ball will be passed towards his back.

- Afterwards, the players repeat the course on the other side. may take a short break; places the screen next to (F).