Wednesday 15 October 2014

GEGENPRESSING – IS IT THE WINNING FORMULA?


Following the overwhelming impact that the ‘tiki-taka’ style has had on football in recent years with the rise of Spanish football with the national side winning 3 major international tournaments back to back and the fantastic record of Barcelona, the “antidote” to tiki-taka appears to have manifested itself in the form of “gegenpressing”.

With more available and authoritative observations and comments on the game these days including pretty sophisticated analyses of strategy and tactics via the internet, more coaches, at every level of the game, are exposed to many opportunities to be able to understand the game better.

However, the game is the game, notwithstanding some key changes or adaptations we have seen over the years (better pitches, re-interpretation of the offside law and a significant change to the back pass rule).

That being the case and the fact that the Principles of Play for territorial, or invasion, games remain constant, I wanted to explore some ideas about the new approach of “Gegenpressing”, or counter-pressing, made popular in recent seasons by Borussia Dortmund and latterly Bayern Munich, especially and elements of which can be detected in the “tiki-taka” approach when possession is lost and for which preparation is made when they still have the ball.

HOW DOES GEGENPRESSING WORK?

There are a couple of decent explanations around on the internet and I have extracted detail below, with credit to the sites from which they were obtained.

WHAT IS “GEGENPRESSING”?

Well, depending on which website you read (see references below) it is:

a rather simple tactical approach: A team simply plays at full pace for 90 minutes, approaching every moment as though they are down a goal late in a major final. After losing possession, players will swarm their opponents, giving them no time on the ball regardless of position and location”

And then, having won the ball “always look for the opportunity to counterattack, playing the ball forward immediately and sprinting into open space as opponents shift from attack to defense”


OR

How Gegenpressing Works

Gegenpressing differs from Barcelona's approach of pressing teams as high up the pitch as possible by incorporating a defensive as well as attacking element, which involves the whole team pressing aggressively in unison. Gegenpressing is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition. Dortmund's opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for players to pass and move into.

The best moment to win the ball is immediately after your team just lost it. The opponent is still looking for orientation where to pass the ball." Once Dortmund have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack is organised and, potentially, explosive.

Gegenpressing is used to capitalise on Dortmund’s ability to execute extremely quick transitions, moving the ball up the field as fast as possible.

Ultra-Fast Transitions

Klopp knows only too well that any tactical approach, including gegenpressing, won't bring success without sheer hard work


 

FROM Matt Whitehouse’s new book “UNIVERSALITY – The Blueprint for Soccer’s New Era
 

“It was Jürgen Klopp at Dortmund who developed and executed the ‘counter pressing’ tactic to great effect. Klopp would work on the defensive organization of his side to nullify space behind the defence as well as making it difficult to play between them. Dropping his forwards off to a point 10 yards ahead of the halfway line, he would allow the opposition to have the ball in their defensive third, the aim being to draw the opposition into the mid-third and then to pounce with frightening speed and intensity in order to win the ball back and counter.

 

This compact mid-block meant there was a lack of space for the opposition to penetrate through and behind. Setting out in a 4-4-1-1 formation the team would make a strong defensive block which was tough for sides to break down and penetrate through. Of course the aim was to draw the opposition in, win the ball back and transition with frightening speed. Dortmund’s counter attacks were truly incredible to watch.

 

Their ability and dynamism to press when out of possession is central to the success of the tactic. It was not about winning the ball but being able to force the play, contain the opposition, and force errors.”

 

STRATEGY, TACTICS & DECISIONS

Some of this sounds very straightforward and simple but actually requires high levels of coaching and attention to detail in order that players recognise which passing lines to close off (whilst sometimes leaving others deliberately open to set ‘traps’ for the opponents to pass into) and what to do ‘in transition’ when having won the ball.

Playing forward again sounds simple but, where, to whom, to which runner? In one pass, or two? Direct or deliberately indirect to entice now recovering defenders into the ‘wrong’ areas?

So, there are a number of elements, all of which are around the Principles of Play (attack and defence) but involve reasonably sophisticated tactics and strategy with the ability to understand the situation in the game and to also plan ahead, not just reacting to what happens, but by taking a pro-active approach to what happens when we lose and regain possession of the ball, or vice versa.


A MODERN APPROACH

It all sounds very modern. Or does it?



I thought I recognised some really key points in a book from almost 25 years ago written and researched by the, since, much derided former FA Director of Coaching and Education, Charles Hughes.

That book, The Winning Formula and elements from it are re-visited here. I have retained page numbers for ease of reference and passages from the book are shown is quotation marks. My intention in retaining page numbers is to demonstrate that the references are not isolated but are consistent messages throughout the book. Where there are words in brackets, they are my additional comments and/or interpretations.

THE WINNING FORMULA

Page 8 - INTRODUCTION

“Modern football has fewer goals, shots at goal and goal mouth incidents – everything that produces excitement” (for players and spectators. I am not so sure that these statistics are still valid but I will leave that particular analysis for another time. Certainly some of Hughes’ statistical analysis has been shown, more recently, to be flawed. However, some commentators and fans began to describe tiki-taka as ‘boring’ – not me, I hasten to add! ).



“The reason for this is not in new efficient defensive strategies, so much as misguided attacking strategy, that of possession football”

(This would seem to have modern relevance to one of the frustrations of tiki-taka, that of constricting the very space that you seek to exploit by retaining and advancing the ball relatively slowly up the field which in turn allows the defending team to funnel back and present a ‘deep block’ – think of Chelsea in their CL winning season)


“Those who believe in possession football argue that a team without the ball cannot score and that the team which keeps the ball for long periods is more likely to score.” (Part of the philosophy of Tiki-Taka is ‘resting with the ball’ and certainly possession of the ball is seen as having defensive value as well as offensive value)



“As a general rule, in soccer, time is on the side of the defender allowing the team to recover and re-group and re-organise.”

(I would suggest that this is still the case, as a general principle, although I do accept that manipulation of the ball in order to manipulate the opposition into errors of judgment and tempting defenders into areas of the field in order to exploit other areas, does, necessarily take time to construct within the game.)



“To point out the flaw in possession play is NOT an endorsement of kick and rush tactics with the ball being punted in the general direction of the opponents’ penalty area at every opportunity.”

(This significant comment is one that utterly refutes, in my humble opinion, the popular interpretation that ‘Direct Play’ was about forcing the ball forward to construct knockdowns for second balls. Certainly that WAS how it was interpreted, by some coaches/managers, but is not what was intended, I believe, from the approach suggested by this book.)


“Success comes, as might be expected, in a balance between the EXTREMES of possession play and kick and rush.”


“DIRECT PLAY involves moving the ball forward in a CONTROLLED WAY”


PAGE 9

“The simple fact is that teams are at their most vulnerable at the moment they lose possession of the ball”

(This observation seems consistent with both the Tiki-Taka and Gegenpressing approaches – KNOW that the opposition will lose the ball to you and be prepared to take action to exploit the transition. Know also that the opposition will also be vulnerable when you lose the ball to THEM as they seek to take advantage and break from defending compactness to an attacking dispersal.)


“The Winning Formula is concerned with seizing the initiative and then retaining it by playing to a system (process?) which gives the best percentage chance of winning matches.”

However, ”The Winning Formula is not a substitute for good technique” (skill)

(As per my comment above – Gegenpressing is about seizing the initiative through assertive pressing and having, as a first option, to play forward, where possible, to exploit that initiative.)


PAGE 10 - Passing and Support Play



“Passing is not just about technique. It is about UNDERSTANDING – what is required and what is possible” (both tactically and technically, is the point here. So, not just biffing the ball forward but making deliberate decisions based upon the possibilities available when having won the ball. Again, Gegenpressing is based on rehearsed understanding of what to do in given situations and prompted by key ‘triggers’ – actions by the opponents recognised, acted upon and exploited by the pressing team).



From The Winning Formula, set priorities allow a structure from which to play. These elements are self-explanatory and are very similar to the assertiveness of Gegenpressing and, even, elements of Tiki-Taka in the transition from possession to loss of possession – the ‘6 second press’ implemented by Guardiola.



“Priorities – Play forward” (What is now sometimes referred to as “Verticality”)

4 options – Shot, Dribble, Run, Pass



“Pass – Space beyond defenders for well placed forward players to exploit

            To feet of most advanced player

            Beyond at least one defender

            Switch play

            Back to supporting players”

 
(Forward play/passing is stated as a first option because defenders may be unbalanced as they were contributing to the attack when possession was lost. Again, this is NOT about biffing the ball forward as a hopeful kick – it is about  dribbling, running with or passing the ball, with considered intent.)



“Support – Angle, speed and distance

Different types of ‘runs’ (movement) to exploit possession”


PAGE 98 - WINNING THE BALL

“It is a vital part of The Winning Formula that players in forward positions must contribute as much to regaining possession as those players in defensive positions”

(Again, with gegenpressing, it is a considered approach by a collective; not individuals running willy-nilly but, as mentioned above, working from key cues as to where and when to press and, indeed, when not to.)



From The Winning Formula, several key elements are identified in terms of an approach to playing the game:

“Key- Concentration” (mentally and with numbers)

 
“Adopt a compact shape. Short distances between players. Keeps opponents under constant pressure and forces errors”



“Increase momentum, not slow it, when regaining possession.” (Remember forward play as first option when defenders may be “out of balance” [modern parlance]. The reference to short distances, in order to exert early and combined pressure, is a feature of gegenpressing as well as Tiki-Taka, as mentioned earlier. It starts to become apparent that gegenpressing and Tiki-Taka are not necessarily opposites of each other, more a derivation, evolution or even a re-interpretation of consistent elements.)



P122 - KEY FACTORS IN DEFENDING

“Players should remember that defending is the first stage in launching an attack”

(Consistent with both Tiki-Taka and gegenpressing – a means to recover possession of the ball which we need if we are to score !)



“…there is a belief that rules of attack and defence are determined by the player’s customary position on the field of play. This is a mistake”



“The crucial factor is possession of the ball.” (as to what determines whether you are an attacker or a defender)



“It is an essential part of The Winning Formula that as soon as their side loses possession, every player should start to think defensively.

That is, they should be working to get the ball back.” 

(Whether that is by pressuring, covering and cutting off passing options / lanes and opportunities to switch play. Sounds VERY much to me like Gegenpressing ! …oh, and Tiki-Taka.)



P 123 - “PRESSURE

Restrict time and space by pressuring/challenging.”

(NB Recovery lines to challenge – do not ‘over-recover’)

“Provide close cover for the challenging player.

Occupy important space goal side of the ball” (Including preventing passing opportunities or even ‘allowing’ some to create ‘traps’ from which to win the ball and counter attack)


“Maintain compactness and try to avoid being stretched”



P174 - STRATEGIES

“The first step in creating a Winning Formula is to adopt the best strategies in both defence and attack.

In attack this means going forward as quickly as POSSIBLE” (based on understanding of the situation and with regard to the current options – see passing and support above)

“In defence it means attempting to win back the ball as soon as possible and as near to the opponents’ goal as possible.”


P184

“If a team is compact when the ball is lost it is possible to switch at once into a defensive strategy.

 A compact team can lose the ball but retain the initiative.”



P185 - “ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES

“Strategy and tactics alone do not win football matches. Every player has to master a range of footballing techniques”



SUMMARY

In conclusion then, I have to say that I feel I can draw direct parallels between quite a few elements of gegenpressing from The Winning Formula and the recommended approach, especially, to defending and counter attacking, that are consistent even today.

NB Previous readers of my blog may have seen a previous post of mine about Charles Hughes but if not, you can link to it here: In Praise..or maybe Defence of, Charles Hughes

Sunday 12 October 2014

TACTICAL & PRACTICAL - A BOOK REVIEW

I have previously undertaken occasional book reviews on Amazon and for one or two football publications, but I wanted to provide this on my (very occasional) blog to potentially reach a wider, if not necessarily numerically greater, audience.


UNIVERSALITY - THE BLUEPRINT FOR SOCCER'S NEW ERA


Universality is the new book from coach, blogger and author Matthew Whitehouse (Follow him on Twitter @The_W_Address or via his blog whitehouseaddress.blogspot.com ) and is now available from Amazon in paperback or electronic versions here: Universality - The Blueprint for Soccer's New Era


Matthew is well qualified with a Masters Degree in sports coaching and an UEFA A Licence and with a wide practical experience of coaching the game.


Universality Review


Both Tactical and Practical, “Universality” examines tactical evolution and nuances and even (with passing reference to “The Way Forward”, Matthew’s previous excellent book) explains the tactical naivety of the way we understand and coach the game here in England.


Reflection and analysis of the tactics of the modern game, including recent trends such as tiki-taka and gegenpressing are supplemented by the real crux of the book – INDIVIDUAL development.


From the Sweeper-Keeper through the modern defender, to the evolved ‘libero’, the ‘architects’ and the interchangeable forwards who play FROM the wings as well as through the middle, this book examines and raises the profile of the ‘complete’ player.


Those who can both defend with assertiveness and clever anticipation but who are also very capable of carrying and playing with the ball to contribute to the attacking phases with equal dexterity and from all over the pitch are and will be the modern player.


With clear diagrams and explanations and with reference to modern teams, Matt explains HOW the modern player works within the collective environment. So, individual players who are able to play in a variety of positions and who possess traits and skills to fit into and, more importantly, to create a truly team environment.


The coach as visionary, innovator, philosopher and team facilitator is also examined in detail with references to and thoughtful quotes from successful and significant coaches of the modern game.


A logical addition and detailed follow up to “The Way Forward” this further excellent book is a must read for the modern coach.


Whether you are taking the first steps on your Level 1 Coaching Award in football with a grassroots Under 7 team, are a UEFA B licence coach working in a professional club’s Academy or even as a coach at the senior end of the game this new work will help you recognise and understand developing trends in the modern game.

More importantly, it will help you form your own philosophy to player and team development whilst raising your awareness of the detail required to be a modern, progressive, visionary and effective coach.


I recommend it !


Arrigo Sacchi - "I see kids who are 14 or 15 years old who are already specialists. But football is not a sport of specialists.
I was watching the under-15s the other day – 14-year-old boys – and the central defenders arrived and all they did was mark their man.
They took themselves out of the game.
 
This is suffering - this is not joy, this is not football.


If someone does just one thing over and over, they will get better at that thing. But is football just one thing?”

Friday 25 July 2014

THE “BLAZERS”





I was prompted to write this piece after having seen a comment on the internet about the “FA Blazers” not being football people.
To my mind there has been a consistent criticism and denigration of large swathes of people involved in football, whether paid or volunteers and I just wanted to offer an alternate view.


By doing so, I am not for one instant suggesting that “The FA” (or rather people involved in operating it) are above, or immune from, criticism. No-one gets everything right all the time but there is a great deal of good work going on by excellent people and I hope by offering this, we will ultimately see a more balanced view than the populist and tabloid media view of affairs.
DINOSAURS / AMATEURS
An oft levelled insult, but what does this mean, really?


The phrase ‘Dinosaurs’ tends to be taken as meaning out of time, a remnant of a time gone by when, by most rules of natural selection, would have seen them as extinct by now.


People described as dinosaurs tend to be thought of as wizened older people with an historical view of reality.  But as Richard Pryor once said ‘You don’t get to be old, by being a fool !’


In our society we seem to assume that ‘old’ means ‘stupid’ whereas other societies tend to regard age as bringing wisdom and experience.


With reference to the term ‘Amateurs’ that tends to bring a meaning that individuals are callow and uneducated and lacking in knowledge about a pursuit (whatever that pursuit is).
However, really, amateur merely means unpaid. A lot of people involved in sport are amateurs. Does that mean they have no value?


“Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are useless, but because they are PRICELESS” – Darren Moss, Norfolk County FA, 2012  ( @DazMossy )
“Dinosaurs”, really, is nothing to do with age and everything to do with mind-set.
 I have come across some really progressive and modern, open-minded individuals who are relatively advanced in years. Equally, I have come across some closed minded individuals in their 20s and 30s.


So far as the term ‘amateurs’ is concerned, some of the volunteers that make up county FA representation on the FA Council are absolutely nothing of the kind. They may not get paid for their current role but I know for a fact that many of them have run their own businesses, have held high ranking roles in major corporations with a lifetime of business experience behind them.


"FOOTBALL PEOPLE"
I know some who are or have been, Club Chair people, players, coaches, managers, referees, administrators, club secretaries and sponsors and owners of clubs at different levels in the game. Are these not, by definition, therefore, ‘Football People’?


 They have maturity, a wealth of knowledge, experience and, often, a lifetime in the game on which to call.
So please, news editors, bloggers, social media advocates and pub conversationalists, please consider that many individuals have a great and positive influence on and in our game, so let’s not stereotype in this way.


Perhaps this blog post is also prompted by my recognition that I am now reaching an age whereby I could also easily be regarded (by those who don’t know me) as a dinosaur, merely because of my age and appearance.
Hopefully, those that read this (very occasional) blog and follow me on Twitter will recognise that I am always seeking new ways to see things in and about the game and am always prepared to debate the issues of the day.


Comments are welcome

Sunday 4 May 2014

WE ARE ALL ROLE MODELS


WHAT IS A ROLE MODEL?
The term role model generally means any "person who serves as an example; whose behaviour is emulated by others".
Other descriptions include:
A person whose behaviour, example or success is, or can be emulated by others, especially by young people
A person who someone admires and whose behaviour they try to copy

SURVEYS

The term first appeared in a research report of medical students carried out by Robert K. Merton, a distinguished American sociologist.


Merton suggested that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires.

Merton emphasised that, rather than a person assuming one role and one status, they have a status set within a social structure that has attached to it a whole set of expected behaviours.


According to a survey of teachers in the United Kingdom conducted in 2008 by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers young people frequently chose role models from celebrity or popular culture

CHOOSE TO BE A ROLE MODEL
A well-known ex-player and presenter on a national sports talk station, infamously perpetuates that professional players are not role models. That is not their job, nor is it one of the requirements of the position of professional player.
I strongly believe this is a flawed argument.
You can choose to act as a role model, or not. However, especially if you are in a position of influence or in the public eye, someone may deliberately, or sub-consciously, choose YOU as THEIR role model, whether or not you choose to ACT as a role model.
A PROFESSIONAL’S VIEW
When professional basketball player Charles Barkley stated in a commercial “I am not a role model”
Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz offered this simple response:
“We do not choose to be role models. We are chosen.”
Plato observed centuries ago that young people would imitate the behaviours of bad role models as readily as those of good role models
So, I believe that, as coaches and therefore directly in a position of at least some influence, it is important to recognise that we all have the ability to inspire those around us by demonstrating values that are more outwardly than inwardly focused.
We can do our part to make the world a better place, and to help and guide the players in our charge to be good and positive citizens through our daily actions. It is not only by what we say but more importantly by how we demonstrate positive behaviours that we hope will serve as an inspiration to others.
We can all be good role models when things are going well, but it is the behaviours we demonstrate and the adherence to our values and moral compass when things go less well that separate the GOOD role models from the role models.
5 Ways in which to ACT as a role model:
  • Be passionate (but controlled) about your area of expertise or interest and demonstrate inspirational behaviour
  • Develop and demonstrate a clear set of values (Integrity means doing the right thing even when no-one is watching !)
  • Show a commitment to community
  • Be selfless and show consideration for and acceptance of others
  • Demonstrate tenacity and an ability to overcome obstacles

“ No printed word, nor spoken plea can teach young minds what they should be.

Not all the books on all the shelves – but what the teachers are themselves.” -

Rudyard Kipling

Sources: