Principles of Play and Position Play
MANAGE ONESELF
Perceive and Conceive (SCAN)
Decide and Deceive (CHOOSE)
Execute and Assess (DO)
MANAGE SPACE
4. Create and close space: spread out to provide supporting options; become compact and deny space
5. Attack 1-2-3: the 1st player focus on passing the ball, 2nd player focus on angle/distance for receiving, the 3rd player must anticipate and move into a position of support, dictating the sequence of play
6. Pressure quickly on transition: immediately reacts to a loss of possession by pressing the opponent
7. Organize defense on offense: aware of how attacking positioning can allow relative defensive stability on transition
8. Defend 1-2-3: the 1st defender pressures the ball, 2nd defender provides cover/ cuts passing lanes, the 3rd defended provides balance
MANAGE THE BALL
9. Keep it simple: the player recognizes appropriate times to play simple vs risking possession to exploit space
10. Play what you see: player does not overcomplicate situations by using the options they see
11. Receive with intent: the player’s first touch is thoughtful to allow efficiency in executing the next action
12. Pass with purpose: passes are appropriately weighted and directed to allow the receiver to successfully execute anticipated action
13. Keep and move the ball: player values the ball and prioritizes keeping possession as they probe for space
14. Advance the ball: the player recognize the right moments to move the ball forward in build-up or in penetration to create chances
POSITION PLAY
Angles: angle of positioning relative to opponents and teammates when in support and angle of reception to maximize options
Distance: the distance (spacing) between players to increase the success ratio of passes
Timing: the moment a player must arrive in support, to clear space or staying still to allow others to fill space
Lines: distances between lines of players determine the effectiveness of defending and attacking
Situation: Situation refers to the time: score ratio within a game. It also refers to the circumstances under which the game will be played (home, away, weather, tournament, league match, etc.)