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Aug 16, 2022 11 tweets 4 min read Read on X
Goals through combinations is often viewed as a result of brilliance of a few individuals. While this may be true, there are 🔑principles teams could use to optimize conditions for achieving this.

Analyzing combination play w/lessons from vintage #Wenger, #Guardiola & #Sarri 🧵
I've tried to dissect combination play into smaller parts that make sense to me and I hope it does the same to fellow coaches, analysts & others.

I will present each principle with a description & a GIF to offer some visual reference.
Combination play can be described as quick passing combinations & off-ball movements to create some form of advantage against players in DEF shape (with the target of breaking lines, especially the DEF line).
Principle 1⃣: Move DEF line horizontally
• Can potentially create larger/accessible gaps between OPP players, making it easier to penetrate depth.
• A result of the ball going wide (first) before engaging in combination play from central areas (also overlap to stretch them)
Principle 2⃣: Pin DEF line
• When OPP players in DEF line are pinned its harder for them to leave their position (the player they mark/focus on) if ATT player from a lower line is attacking depth.
Principle 3⃣: Position in triangles & diamonds
• Always ensure 2-3 passing options in front of & at least 1-2 behind ball carrier
• Makes it easier to move the ball quickly (to move opposition/create space & exploit space)
Principle 4⃣: Rest-defense
• Since comb. play is fast and often through the opponent's block, there is chance of ball losses. If the initiative starts from a lower line (inside) you also lose cover of central spaces that the opponent can exploit unless areas are protected.
Principle 5⃣: Pass & Move
• Initiated by the player w/the ball on a lower line with overview of options in front of him & the gaps (already open or arising in the act) in the DEF line.
• Change of tempo which is making the opposition react after the act(tion).
Principle 6⃣: Move DEF line vertically (jump)
• By passing backwards, movement against the ball and/or receiving between the lines
• This allows penetrating player(s) to use their opposite momentum to create advantage/separation from OPP players when breaking the DEF line.
Principle 7⃣: Read space
• Small space & pressure = Play faster (few touch)

Players on higher lines:
• Play what you see (make sure you see as much as possible) /
• Don’t turn with pressure

Players on lower lines:
• Read if conditions are there & gaps possible to exploit
Hope this thread provided some valuable insight & inspiration.

Appreciate any kind of feedback😊

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More from @MagnusEStrand

Sep 24, 2022
'INTENSITY' by Pep Lijnders (Klopp's assistant manager) provide a unique insight of Liverpool's roller-coaster season 21-22 (three finals & title race).

In this 🧵 I will present some of the principles & concepts described regarding their training process & playing style [1/23]
Firstly, the book doesn't give a complete picture of Liverpool's training process/playing style, only a glimpse. I will start describing the training process & continue with the style of play. Hopefully it will provide some takeaways for coaches & enthusiasts of the game [2/23]
In the TRAINING PROCESS its quite clear that the drills are tailor-made to (improve) their style of play from the first to the last drill in the training sessions & executed with the highest intensity (which is their identity) [3/23]
Read 23 tweets
Aug 11, 2022
In DAZNs DECODED #Rangnick & #Nagelsmann spoke of an interesting concept called "force your luck', where the intent is to increase probability of scoring ('easy goals').

I took the liberty of diving a little-bit deeper & share my thoughts about the concept! Thread🎞️🧵(1/14)
🎞️- Example of discussion: (2/14)
“If we have many players inside the box, the chance of scoring is higher. Not only from the OG shot, but also second balls/rebounds. The likelihood the ball will ricochet to us is significantly higher if you have six players inside the box, or sometimes even seven” – JN (3/14)
Read 14 tweets
Aug 9, 2022
Interesting to read Maurizio #Sarri's Pro-License thesis of how he prepared the week of training during his time in Società Sportiva Arezzo (06-07 season).

This🧵will look at three specific rules he used during practice games & how they are adaptable at all levels. PDF⬇️ (1/7)
1⃣"2 or 3-touch"
• Could potentially make the players playing simpler ("which is the hardest thing" - Johan Cruyff) & faster (confusing the OPP by changing point of reference at speed). (2/7)
I would argue that occasionally limiting touches can also foster creativity (in a different way) as teams & players are "in prison" (touch limit) & needs to find creative solutions individually & collectively (communication/decision-making/execution) to solve situations! (3/7)
Read 7 tweets
Aug 4, 2022
Attracting pressure & attention centrally from the opponents ML & DL in a mid block (using passes & movement) can be done with various forms of space occupation in the build-up structure:
4-3
2-4
3-1
2-3

Short video-thread🧵with examples & explanations!
The purpose of this principle is to progress higher up the pitch having accessed:
• Space behind the last defensive line
• Space between lines
• Space in wide channels

Principle is the "same" for the teams, but the application and outcome differs (based on situation).
1⃣ example: 4-3 build-up shape (#Sarri)
• Usually a more strict positional approach as players (in build-up shape) have to stick to their vertical channel.
• Exceptions occurred depending OPPs defensive structure & intensity.
Read 9 tweets
Aug 2, 2022
Impressive build-up from #Nagelsmann & #Bayern leading to the fourth goal against #Leipzig.

A lot of interesting takeaways, with many of the principles applicable for teams at every level. I will try to outline these in a long-thread below🧵(1/15)
Playing out short from a goal kick is no easy task, with the opponent having sufficient time to set up the pressing structure & prepare the press. Time/space is often limited, meaning teams have to play at a higher tempo (faster decision-making and execution) (2/15)
The main goal with playing short from goal kicks is to create a spacio-temporal advantage further up the pitch by breaking lines (dribbling or passing) and transfer numerical advantages from the back to the front (against the last defensive line) (3/15)
Read 16 tweets

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