5 Phases of Play

A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION: THE 5 PHASES OF PLAY
IN THE 1-4-2-3-1
Here we now look at the end product using a back four in the 1-4-2-3-1 system of play.
The way I interpret it you will see it is similar to the 1-3-3-1-3 in set up, in terms of the
attacking shape of the team.
This way it is an easy transition between the two systems.
The center backs (4) and (5) in both systems I like to teach more as a Number (6) or
defensive midfielder than a traditional center back.
So with a back three or a back four all center back players are taught the same way to be
able to play out of the back and be comfortable on the ball which is more like a number
(6).
We have covered the other positions previously now we add (4) and (5) to
the team set up
THE ROLES OF CENTER BACKS (4) AND (5)
Technical Qualities:
1. Heading skills.
2. Passing Technique - distance (short, medium and long) - direction (left and right)
Tactical Qualities: In Possession

1. Speed - with the ball
2. Always in a position to receive the ball.
3. Simple Choices- first pass - retain possession of the ball – ability to change the
direction of the game
Out of Possession:
1. Orientation: (positioning determined by the ball, the opponent, his teammates)
2. Communication - with their peers (especially as a center back pairing) and with respect
to the opponents
3. Understanding of the different forms of defending; zoning and man marking; 1 against 1
4. Knowing when to press / when to cover
Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

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Psychological:
1. Killer mentality (Take no prisoners).
2. Vocal leader and organizer
3. Disciplined and Responsible ensuring the first pass is a safe one; always in a position
to receive (confident) - orientation - preserving the position – great positional sense
4. Ability to focus on man marking and stick to the task (1 to 1 and 1 more)
Physical Attributes:
1. Speed in short and medium distances
2. Strength on and off the ball
3. Jumping ability
4. Strength in the challenge: On the ground: In the air.
5. Agility
ATTACKING (10%)
Depending on the adventure of the head coach and the technical ability of the center
backs they may start the build up at the back by bringing the ball out of defense
themselves and running with it. This is not a big part of their game; but again, depending
on the type of center back; their game may be more than just 10% offensive.
They must be VERY comfortable on the ball and be very good passers to have the
confidence to always look to build play from the back.
DEFENDING (90%)
Heading: Of course they must be good in the air first of all.
1 v 1: They must have the usual defending skills of having the ability to delay, and be
patient plus anticipate situations ahead of the ball and pick the right moment to tackle with
the right timing and pace to close down, and to be good 1 v 1 markers.
Pace: It always helps if they are quick but if they read the game well this is not vital
Game Understanding: They must also have a great understanding as a pair able to cover
each other effectively and be good communicators. They must be very good readers of
the game, especially if they are not the quickest of players.
Physical: Physically strong, this is probably the most physically strong position on the field.

745
The players in our 1-4-2-
3-1 system of play
This is the DEFENDING

team shape (“start
position”) for a 4-2-3-1.
Initial Attacking Set up
This is the attacking team

shape (attacking “start
position”) for the -1-4-2-
3-1. Zone 14 is the area
between the opponents
back three or four and their
midfield. For U12 and U13
to affect the minds of 7 and
11 we may call it a 4-2-1-3
so they think positive and
in an attacking mode.

746
Interchange between
units of players
This is the attacking team

shape now a 2-3-2-3 or
3-1-3-3 depending on the
moment. This can also be
the attacking team shape
we change to when we are
chasing a game perhaps
losing 1-0 and wanting to
be more positive in attack.
So this now would be the
start position. (4) and (5)
come back together.
The Interchange of
individual players
Movements up front have

been effected creating a
diamond of support for
striker 9 who becomes
10 and so on. Absolute
freedom of movement in
the attacking third.

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Defensive Recovery set
up
This is the RECOVERING

team SHAPE for a 4-2-3-1
which you can interpret as
a 4-4-1-1 or even a 4-5-1.
The main thing is we get
as many players behind
the ball as possible and
as quickly as possible
if we cant win the ball
immediately where we lose
it.
A preferred Phase Five

when losing the ball: A
Full Team Press
We may press up from the

back too leaving opponents
offside; should they get a
chance of a counter attack.
Defenders must decide in a
split second which course
of action they take.

748

5 Phases of Play

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A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION: THE 5 PHASES OF PLAY

This way it is an easy transition between the two systems.

THE ROLES OF CENTER BACKS (4) AND (5)

Tactical Qualities: In Possession

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Heading: Of course they must be good in the air first of all.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

This is the DEFENDING

Initial Attacking Set up

This is the attacking team

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

This is the attacking team

Movements up front have

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

This is the RECOVERING

A preferred Phase Five

We may press up from the

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

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