Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Diamond IN/OUT Possession

Description

STRENGTHS: 

Opposite man of the diamond should always be the spare man, if they tuck their winger into him the opposite FB should be on.

• Back 4 means the defence are more comfortable 
• Strong spine - CB,CDM,10, 2 CF's
• Extra protection in front of the back four in the shape of a defensive midfielder – this can often prevent the opposition no.10 from playing
• In the centre of midfield you usually have an overload – 4 v 3 or even 4 v 2
• Full backs can push on from deep
• 2 strikers and a 10, which most teams won't be used to playing against with most teams playing with 1 CF.

WEAKNESSES 

• The most obvious is the lack of width – full backs can get overloaded against a team playing with full back and wingers
• Similarly, you are relying on our full backs to be your attacking width
• Space in behind attacking full backs can drag central players out of position
• The two central midfielders have a lot of shuttling to do so need to be extremely fit
• The full backs are effectively wing backs so again need to be extremely fit

• Trying to stop teams playing down the sides of the pitch, forcing play inside to teammates 
• Make the pitch compact as possible, overloading the central areas. Cannot be deep forcing them to play long
• Back 4 need to be higher up the pitch, and GK position needs to be able to sweep
• Be aware of danger - balls over the top or behind the full backs
• Covering team mates when they're out of position - this is key in this shape as we are encouraging rotations 
• Delaying play when the ball goes out of play so we can get back into shape
• If you are outnumbered in the press, stop the easy pass.

• Shape - width and depth
• Create Overloads - 2v2,3v2,4v3 
• Patience, build the play up using the midfield and CF's
• In 1v1 situations, key we protect possession
• Play the switch when possible
• Quick decisive play when in the final third

• When winning possession first 5 seconds are vital to ensure we retain possession and advance up the pitch.
• Spread play, good early passing and make the most of the opposition being out of position.
• Quality on the ball, find the spare man.