Principles of Play and Position Play

MANAGE ONESELF

  1. Perceive and Conceive (SCAN)

  2. Decide and Deceive (CHOOSE)

  3. 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.)