1. SAF Passing and Movement Triggers
SAF introduced a few changes to his 4-4-2:
-Fullbacks operating with Wingers as a pair down the flanks
-Changing the passing style to be closer to how Arsenal move the ball
The examples and principles below were used to promote a better method of ball movement.
Basic Principles
Before using triggers there are certain principles which his players will use:
-Pass the ball in triangles
-Play from constricted space to open space on the weak side or down the flanks
-2 central midfield determine horizontal passing build up
-Fullbacks determine vertical passing build up down the flanks
-The back 4 and Central 2 midfield players can hold the ball if needed until change of tempo for
attacking
-Forwards act as a pair and Fullbacks act as a pair with Wingers midfield players act a pivot this done
to enable many passing options in the above format which allows for many players to play above the
line of the ball on the attack.
-Build up is alternated between combinations of long and short passing depending on the situation
but still acting on triggers
Triggers
Triggers fall into certain types:

2. -Attacking the opponents weak side
-Changing tempo
Attacking on the opponents weak side
Center backs determine the direction to attack by the following:
Both full backs move diagonally closer to the half way line to present an option for the pass, the first
pass to the Fullback from the Cent re back is the trigger to the Fullback and Winger on the OPPOSITE
side that the ball will be switched for attack down the opponents weak side, the Fullback and Winger
move Up the pitch to present width in space.
The second trigger is who the Fullback passes the ball to, this determines which player on the
opposing flank the ball will be switched to and the movements of either the Fullbacks and Wingers in
support of the switched pass. Should the Fullback pass to the Winger this will be followed by a fast
pass to the central midfield player triggering the run of the opposite Fullback into space to receive
the ball while the Winger cuts inside to create space. Should the ball be passed to the midfielder this
is a trigger for the Winger on the opposite side to make a run into space to receive a long diagonal
pass while the Fullback supports.
Should a midfield player receive a pass back from a Center Forward this triggers a movement from
the winger on the weak side to make a run down the flank to prepare for long switched pass while
the Fullback over laps to create space.
These can be used in the opposing half closer to the penalty area to allow for switches creating 1v1
encounters on the opponents weak side.
Changing Tempo
Tempo of the game and the speed of build upis determined by the Central midfield players. An
immediate pass from the back line to Central Midfield players. A pass to a Midfield player triggers
the Wingers to move to stretch the width and prepare for faster one touch passing combinations
around the opposing third. The aim is to stretch the opposing teams to open up gaps to attack. Full

3. back push up closer to the touch line to provide out lets for potential crosses and diagonally passes
to the opposite Winger.
Training
Allot of is spent on functional training and pattern work to enable triggers and patterns to practiced
until finely tuned. These are only used to provide a foundation to aid the players own decision
making and initiative. Posession is essential to master this method other wise it will compromise the
principles of play.