Thibaut R. Hi Thibaut, always asking great questions!
With younger and mixed ability groups, this will happen. Our preference is to challenge the player on the ball when they do.
We're also not keen on limiting touches here, as a turn in this situation can take 3 to 4 small touches, so it's important that players have the freedom to work through it.
"What does the opposite side of the pitch look like when the 9 closes you down?"
"How might we switch play from there?"
That way, you're keeping the understanding in the practice without stopping it. Through some of our technical sessions, particularly the Grassroots practices, players are also building the skills to turn out from the press and find the free player, which should start to show up in practices like this one.
Replied on PSG - TACTICAL FLUIDITY UNDER LUIS ENRIQUE
22 Jun 21:46
Daniel A. Interesting question.
I always think of two Luis Enrique quotes. At the start of the season, he spoke about wanting to control everything. Then, at the end, he said...
"The less I control, the more chances I have that the opponent doesn't know what we're going to do."
I think at this point, he has a group of players who understand why they shift, and any player can move within that understanding. Others will have more responsibility in certain areas as opposed to others
The movements are coached, but more within a principle. For example, if Mendes moves higher into the half-space, Vitinha drops lower, and vice versa.
At the academy level, it would depend on the age group. And it's more around understanding the principles of WHY they are rotating, which will improve their actions.