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Module 1 · team sheet

The space battle

Every principle here is about space: how to deny it when you defend and how to create it when you attack. Take them in order, then test yourself in match prep.

  1. Principle 1: Compactness

    COMPACT

    Shrink the space between and inside your lines so the opponent has nowhere to play through.

    Live lab →

  2. Principle 2: Defensive line height

    LINE HEIGHT

    Decide how far from goal your back line stands, and what that gives away in front of it and behind it.

    Live lab →

  3. Principle 3: Width and stretching

    STRETCH

    Pull the opponent apart with wide players so gaps open in the middle.

    Coming soon

  4. Principle 4: Overloads

    OVERLOAD

    Get more players than the opponent into one zone and play out of it.

    Coming soon

  5. Principle 5: Pressing and cover shadows

    PRESS SHADOW

    Press at the right angle to block the pass behind you, and choose what happens when you lose the ball.

    Coming soon

Then

Match prep

Put the principles together against a specific opponent. There is rarely one right answer, only trade-offs.

Finally

Match day

A whole match in a few moments: spot the problem, fix your shape and make the call. Right calls win you the game.