Thibaut R. No problem. You know where we are if you need us 👍

Great question. From my experience, timing is one of those things that’s difficult to coach directly. You can give players cues and triggers, but a lot of it comes through repetition, experience and the connection they build with each other. One thing I try to do is create reference areas or movements they need to pass through before arriving. The key message is always to arrive as late as possible. We use the phrase “arrive at the same time as the ball” rather than arriving early and waiting. The exact trigger depends on the pass. If the weight and quality of the pass allows the receiving player to play first time, the link player may need to move a fraction earlier. If the receiver is likely to take a positive first touch, then the trigger naturally changes. If I’m honest though, I wouldn’t spend too much time trying to coach the exact timing. It’s more about helping players develop a feel for the practice. I prefer to give them simple challenges like “arrive with the ball” and then reinforce it with plenty of praise when they get it right, showing them exactly why it worked. Over time, those successful moments help build the understanding and timing you’re looking for.

Hopefully this reply was helpful Thibaut?

Tactx

Daniel Acheson, great question, Daniel. Yes, the side connections are used with different systems of play. For example, with the 3-5-2, your side centre-back becomes the third player in the connection. Just be mindful that there are a handful of systems where you will focus just on collective and individual movements.If you have any more questions, please send them over. Tactx

That is now available

CHEN All sorted now, the correct video is attached.

Thanks Thibaut.

Should now be in working order. 

CHEN Thanks for pointing this out. We will get it updated ASAP!

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. 

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.

Ian B. Hi Ian,

No, this is not primarily Tactx content; it is not part of the subscription package.