Core Principles of the Defensive Phase Pt.2

A few days ago we presented one of the first articles on methodology and the factors that influence the Defensive Phase entitled: 3 core principles of the Defensive Phase Pt.1. And today we will continue to expand the concepts. Will you join us?

At B1 Soccer Academy, we work to implement a methodology that encompasses different basic tactical principles in order to train our players to be the most complete athletes possible.

This professional methodology has been developed by our UEFA Pro coaches. And today we will be discussing the two last core tactical principles of the defensive phase.

Principle of Defensive Unity

This fourth principle encompasses the awareness of all players in their movements, their limitation and their position in relation to their teammates, the ball and their opponents.

The guidelines ensure the coordination of attitudes and tactical behaviours of the players positioned outside the “centre of play”.

To ensure cohesion, effectiveness and functional balance between the team’s longitudinal and transverse lines in defensive actions, the players responsible for executing the principle of defensive unity need to  be coherent in their displacements  according to the variability of the momentary game situations, the knowledge of his teammates’ skills and movement possibilities.

Following our own methodology, on the defensive aspect, the distance between the lines of our team is between 30/40 meters, which we reduce as the rivals approach the goal.

The whole team should act as one, defenders midfielders, and attackers retreat into the defensive third to reduce the space in which the opposition can play in, around, and behind.

Principle of Concentration

This fifth and last principle is based on the player’s movements towards the zones that present a higher risk of goal, with the aim of increasing defensive protection, reducing the space for the player in possession.

The guidelines of this principle are intended to force attackers to less vital zones in order for the defender to apply for delay and coverage safely and to minimize the offensive amplitude in width and length avoiding the creation of free spaces.

All these tactical principles contribute to the organization of the players and their performance on the field of play. In the defensive phase, a team should work together and be coordinated like the mechanisms of a machine, and that is what we are implementing in the B1 Soccer Academy.

In summary, with this article, we want to emphasize the importance of defense in soccer. Sometimes underrated by coaches and players, but vital to be a solid, regular, and winning team.

Now that you know about the 5 defensive concepts of our professional methodology, at B1 Soccer Academy we invite you to put these concepts into practice. BE THE ONE, BE THE BEST, BE THE FUTURE.