The document provides an analysis of a youth football team's shape and positioning in different phases of play, including defense and attack. It includes diagrams showing the team's flexible 4-4-2 formation and how players are organized both offensively and defensively. The analysis also outlines the positional responsibilities of individual players and common pressing triggers. Key performance indicators from a match against St Mirren Aberdeen are presented, along with an acknowledgement of video analysis conducted.
3. Team Shape – Flexible 4-4-2
1 2 3 4 5 6
GK
LCB
RCB
RB
LB
CM
CM
LM
RM
SS
ST
4. Team Shape – Attacking Organization
LB
LM
SS
ST
CM
5. Team Shape – Attacking Organization
CM
RM
SS
ST
RB
6. Team Shape – Attacking Organization
CM
RM
SS
ST
RB
7. Team Shape – 1st Phase Defensive Organization
Press high up the
pitch immediately
when possession
is lost.
LCB
RCB
RB
LB
CM
CM
LM
RM
SS
ST
8. Team Shape – 2nd Phase Defensive Organization
Two strikers remain high to
apply pressure & target on
counter attack.
Defence and midfield stay
narrow attempting to force
opponents into white areas.
Depth of defence controlled
by position of the ball and if
there is pressure applied.
Pressing Triggers
• Backwards pass
• Poor touch
• Body position of receiving player
• Distance to the ball
LCB
RCB
RB
LB
CM
CM
LM
RM
SS
ST
9. Team Shape – Positional Responsibilities
Centre Backs & Goalkeeper
• Build from the Back
• Take ball out
• Switch the Play
Left Back
• Overlap midfielder
• Provide width
• Deliver Crosses
Right Back
• Overlap midfielder
• Provide width
• Deliver Crosses
Left Back
• Prevent crosses
• Keep pitch narrow
• Press aggressively
Centre Backs & Goalkeeper
• Control depth
• Deal with aerial balls
• Organise team
Right Back
• Prevent crosses
• Keep pitch narrow
• Press aggressively
10. Team Shape – Positional Responsibilities
Central Midfielders
• Take ball from defence
• Support from deep
• Switch the Play
Left Midfielder
• Vary movement
• Link with strikers
• Deliver Crosses
Right Midfielder
• Vary movement
• Link with strikers
• Deliver Crosses
Left Midfielder
• Protect full back
• Keep pitch narrow
• Press aggressively
Central Midfielders
• Protect defence
• Press aggressively
• Maintain balance
Right Midfielder
• Protect full back
• Keep pitch narrow
• Press aggressively
11. Team Shape – Positional Responsibilities
Support Striker
• Drop into the hole
• Link with midfield
• Take shots
Striker
• Hold up the ball
• Take shots
• Link with others
Striker
• Press aggressively
• Occupy opponent’s
centre backs
• Block passing lanes
Support Striker
• Press aggressively
• Drop into midfield if
needed
• Block passing lanes
12. Attacks the
back area.
Holds edge.
Stay Together.
Run along 18
yard line then
sprint to front
post.
Deliver to front post
Peel deep off keeper