©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S.

Soccer approval

MODEL
MODULE 2A: U.S. SOCCER
STYLE OF PLAY AND GAME

1
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, you should:

Ø Know the definition and components of a game model
Ø Understand the U.S. Soccer Style of Play and Game Model
Ø Know the definition and components of a game plan
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

2
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

GAME MODEL

3
 What is a game model?
A description of the desired behavior on the pitch

It is based on the defined team identity and style of play

A team’s game model is the overarching framework

that encompasses a team’s game idea in the four game
moments, team tactical principles, and individual player
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

actions

4
 U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION

THE GAME MOMENTS

TEAM IN POSSESSION
ATTACKING

TEAM REGAINING POSSESSION TEAM LOSING POSSESSION

DEFENDING TO ATTACKING ATTACKING TO DEFENDING
TRANSITION TRANSITION
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

TEAM OUT OF POSSESSION

DEFENDING

5
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

GAME MODEL
TEAM IDENTITY
TEAM STYLE OF PLAY

6
 What is a game idea?
A description of the unique and fundamental tactical
intentions of a team to achieve the team goals during
competition.

It is influenced by many factors including but not limited

to culture, region, history, characteristics of the players,
the coaches’ philosophy, etc.
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

A game idea is manifested through team tactical

principles and individual player actions

7
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

GAME IDEA
GAME MODEL
TEAM IDENTITY
TEAM STYLE OF PLAY

8
 Attacking
When we have the ball, we want to play
forward through individual actions and short
combinations, to play in the attacking half in order
to create chances and score goals.

Attacking to Defending
When we lose the ball, we want to regain it early by
reacting immediately with maximum intensity.
When we recognize we are unable to pressure the
TEAM STYLE ball, we recover quickly into a defending shape.
OF PLAY
GAME MODEL GAME IDEA
TEAM
IDENTITY Defending
When we do not have the ball, we want to prevent the
opponent from playing forward and regain the ball as
high up the field as possible through compactness
and pressing.
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

Defending to Attacking
When we regain the ball, we immediately think and
play forward, look to attack at maximum speed in
order to create chances and score goals.
When we recognize we cannot play forward, we keep
the ball and move into our attacking shape.

9
 Principles and Player Actions
Team Tactical Main Principles
A guideline for the decision making and behavior of an individual or group of players
in a specific game situation based on the game idea

Team Tactical Sub Principles

A more specific principle that is part of a main principle and guides the decision-
making and the behavior of an individual or a group in a specific game situation based
on the game idea
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

Individual Player Actions

A fundamental soccer skill, needed to successfully execute a team tactical main- or
sub-principle requiring a high level of perception (scanning), decision-making
(reading and understanding game situations), communication, physical and
1
technical execution 0
 TEAM STYLE OF PLAY
TEAM IDENTITY

GAME MODEL

GAME IDEA

TEAM TACTICAL MAIN

TEAM TACTICAL SUB PRINCIPLES INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ACTION
PRINCIPLES
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

11
 TEAM TACTICAL MAIN TEAM TACTICAL SUB INDIVIDUAL PLAYER
PRINCIPLES PRINCIPLES ACTION
A fundamental soccer skill, needed
A guideline for the decision making A more specific principle that is to successfully execute a team
and behavior of an individual or part of a main principle and guides tactical main- or sub-principle
group of players in a specific game the decision-making and the requiring a high level of perception
situation based on the game idea behavior of an individual or a group (scanning), decision-making
in a specific game situation based (reading and understanding game
on the game idea situations), communication,
physical and technical execution
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

12
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

Model
U.S. Soccer Style of Play & Game

13
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

ATTACKING

14
 U . S . S O C C E R F E D E R A T I O N

TH E G AM E IDEA

TEAM IN POSSESSION
ATTACKING

When we have the ball, we want to play forward through individual actions and short
combinations, to play in the attacking half in order to create chances and score goals.

DEFENDING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE MIDDLE THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE ATTACKING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE
• Score goal
• Advance the ball • Advance the ball • Create goal scoring chance (assist)
• Keep the ball • Keep the ball • Advance the ball
• Keep the ball
 U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION - TECHNICAL PLAN
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
11v11 U13 - U14 U15-U16
PROGRESSION PHASE I PROGRESSION PHASE II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND
FINISHING FINISHING

ATTACKING
TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES
Create appropriate height, width, depth
CREATE ATTACKING TEAM SHAPE
Create optimal attacking distances between players
Provide vertical or diagonal passing options
Overload centrally or wide
PROVIDE OPTIONS TO PLAY FORWARD Move or lose opponent when marked
Make runs behind the defensive line
Give immediate support to teammate under pressure
Drive with the ball to exploit space
Engage opponent: create 1v1 or 2v1
BREAK LINES TO ADVANCE ATTACK
Find a free player between or behind the lines
Switch play: pass the ball to opponent’s weak zone
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE OPPONENT

Push up the defensive line with speed: stay connected and compact
COUNTER
Separate: time run or quick movement to unmark
Final pass: through ball or combination play
Numbers in the box: fill zones in front of goal
FINISH THE ATTACK AS FAST AS POSSIBLE
Cross: into space or player
Take on 1v1 to create or score
Finish: use limited touches

16
 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

AT T AC K IN G

MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES

CREATE APPROPRIATE HEIGHT, WIDTH, DEPTH

CREATE ATTACKING TEAM SHAPE
CREATE OPTIMAL ATTACKING DISTANCES BETWEEN PLAYERS

PROVIDE VERTICAL OR DIAGONAL PASSING OPTIONS

OVERLOAD CENTRALLY OR WIDE

PROVIDE OPTIONS TO PLAY FORWARD MOVE OR LOSE OPPONENT WHEN MARKED

MAKE RUNS BEHIND THE DEFENSIVE LINE

GIVE IMMEDIATE SUPPORT TO TEAMMATE UNDER PRESSURE

DRIVE WITH THE BALL TO EXPLOIT SPACE

ENGAGE OPPONENT: CREATE 1v1 OR 2v1

BREAK LINES TO ADVANCE ATTACK
PASS TO A FREE PLAYER BETWEEN OR BEHIND THE LINES

SWITCH PLAY: PASS THE BALL TO OPPONENT’S WEAK SIDE

 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

AT T AC K IN G

MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES

PUSH UP THE DEFENSIVE LINE WITH SPEED: STAY CONNECTED AND COMPACT
TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE TO COUNTER
CREATE DEFENSIVE SHAPE BEHIND THE BALL

SEPARATE: TIME RUN OR QUICK MOVEMENT TO UNMARK

FINAL PASS: THROUGH BALL OR COMBINATION PLAY

NUMBERS IN THE BOX: FILL ZONES IN FRONT OF GOAL

FINISH THE ATTACK AS FAST AS POSSIBLE
CROSS: INTO SPACE OR PLAYER

TAKE ON 1v1 TO CREATE OR SCORE

FINISH: USE LIMITED TOUCHES

 U13 - U16
PROGRESSION PHASES I & II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

ATTACKING
When we have the ball, we want to play forward through individual actions and short combinations, to play in the attacking half in order to create chances and score goals.
TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES PLAYER ACTIONS
FIELD PHASE OBJECTIVE
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES WITH THE BALL
• Controlling
• Create appropriate height, width, depth
DEFENDING HALF

CREATE ATTACKING SHAPE • Create optimal attacking distances between players • Protecting
BUILDING UP

• Advance the ball • Driving

• Provide vertical or diagonal passing options
• Keep the ball • Create overload centrally or wide • Dribbling
• Move or lose opponent when marked
PROVIDE OPTIONS TO PLAY FORWARD • Make runs behind the defensive line • Passing
• Give immediate support to teammate under pressure

• Shooting
• Drive with the ball to exploit space
• Engage opponent: create 1v1 or 2v1 SPATIAL & POSITIONAL AWARENESS
BREAK LINES TO ADVANCE ATTACK • Find a free player between or behind the lines
CREATING & SCORING

• Switch play: pass the ball to the opponent’s weak zone

ATTACKING HALF

• Score goal TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE • Push up the defensive line with speed: stay connected and • Scanning
compact
• Create chance OPPONENT COUNTER • Create high defensive shape behind the ball
• Advance the ball
• Keep the ball • Separate: time run or quick movement to unmark
• Final pass: through ball or combination play • Supporting
• Numbers in the box: fill in zones in front of goal
FINISH THE ATTACK • Cross into space or player
• Take on 1v1 to create or score • Adapting body shape
• Finish: use limited touches
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

ATTACKING TO DEFENDING

20
 U . S . S O C C E R F E D E R A T I O N

TH E G AM E IDEA
TEAM LOSING POSSESSION
ATTACKING TO DEFENDING
TRANSITION

When we lose the ball, we want to regain it early by reacting immediately with
maximum intensity.
When we recognize we are unable to pressure the ball, we recover quickly into a
defending shape.

ATTACKING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE MIDDLE THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE DEFENDING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE
• Prevent goal
• Regain the ball • Regain the ball • Deny a chance
• Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control • Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control • Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny
• Force into a pressing zone • Force into a pressing zone penetration from the dribble
• Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny • Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny • Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control
penetration from the dribble penetration from the dribble • Force into a pressing zone
• Regain the ball
 U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION - TECHNICAL PLAN
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
11v11 U13 - U14 U15-U16
PROGRESSION PHASE I PROGRESSION PHASE II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND
FINISHING FINISHING

ATTACKING TO DEFENDING TRANSITION

TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES
• Press to regain or prevent progress of the ball
APPLY IMMEDIATE PRESSURE ON THE BALL
• Provide cover and balance: eliminate options
• Drop off and block direct path to goal
DELAY THE COUNTERACTTACK
• Slow down and dictate opponent
• Get numbers back quickly and take defensive position
RECOVER WITH SPEED • Press from behind as quickly as possible
• Stay connected: look to win the second ball
• Create passing option(s): between the lines
TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE THE COUNTER
• Create passing option(s): look to run in behind
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

• Defend the goal and create conditions to engage

DENY FINISH FROM COUNTERATTACK
• Challenge to protect against a goal attempt

22
 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

AT T AC K IN G T O D EF EN D IN G

MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES

PRESS TO REGAIN OR PREVENT PROGRESS OF THE BALL

APPLY IMMEDIATE PRESSURE ON THE BALL
PROVIDE COVER AND BALANCE: ELIMINATE OPTIONS

DROP OFF AND BLOCK THE DIRECT PATH TO GOAL

DELAY THE COUNTERATTACK
SLOW DOWN AND DICTATE THE OPPONENT

GET NUMBERS BACK QUICKLY AND TAKE DEFENSIVE POSITION

RECOVER WITH SPEED PRESS FROM BEHIND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE

STAY CONNECTED: LOOK TO WIN THE SECOND BALL

CREATE PASSING OPTION(S): BETWEEN THE LINES

TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE TO COUNTER
CREATE PASSING OPTION(S): LOOK TO RUN IN BEHIND

DEFEND THE GOAL AND CREATE CONDITIONS TO ENGAGE

DENY THE FINISH
CHALLENGE TO PROTECT AGAINST ANY GOAL ATTEMPT
 U13 - U16
PROGRESSION PHASES I & II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

ATTACKING TO DEFENDING TRANSITION

When we lose the ball, we want to regain it early by reacting immediately with maximum intensity.
When we recognize we are unable to pressure the ball, we recover quickly into a defending shape.
TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES PLAYER ACTIONS
FIELD PHASE OBJECTIVE
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES AGAINST THE BALL
• Intercepting
PREVENTING BUILD UP

• Regain the ball

• Prevent the opponent • Pressing
ATTACING HALF

from playing forward • Press to regain or prevent progress of the ball

APPLY IMMEDIATE PRESSURE ON THE BALL • Challenging
• Deny penetration from • Provide cover and balance: eliminate options
the dribble • Delaying
• Reducing time and space • Block the shot
SPATIAL & POSITIONAL AWARENESS

• Drop off and block direct path to goal • Scanning

DELAY THE COUNTERATTACK
• Slow down and dictate opponent

• Adapting body shape

DENYING CHANCES & SCORING

• Prevent goal • Get numbers back quickly and take defensive position
DEFENDING HALF

• Deny a chance RECOVER WITH SPEED • Press from behind as quickly as possible
• Regain the ball • Stay connected: look to win the second ball
• Prevent the opponent • Covering
• Create passing option(s): between the lines
from playing forward TAKE COUNTERMEASURES
• Create passing option(s): look to run in behind
• Deny penetration from
the dribble
• Reducing time and space
• Defend the goal and create conditions to engage
DENY THE FINISH
• Challenge to protect against a goal attempt • Marking
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

DEFENDING

25
 U . S . S O C C E R F E D E R A T I O N

TH E G AM E IDEA
TEAM OUT OF POSSESSION
DEFENDING

When we do not have the ball, we want to prevent the opponent from playing forward and
regain the ball as high up the field as possible through compactness and pressing.

ATTACKING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE MIDDLE THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE DEFENDING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE
• Prevent goal
• Regain the ball • Regain the ball • Deny a goal scoring chance
• Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control • Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control • Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny
• Force into a pressing zone • Force into a pressing zone penetration from the dribble
• Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny • Prevent the opponent from playing forward and deny • Force an inaccurate pass or inaccurate ball control
penetration from the dribble penetration from the dribble • Force into a pressing zone
• Regain the ball
 U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION - TECHNICAL PLAN
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
11v11 U13 - U14 U15-U16
PROGRESSION PHASE I PROGRESSION PHASE II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND
FINISHING FINISHING

DEFENDING
TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES
• Make team compact: vertical and horizontal
- (Re-) Position to create a high front line
CREATE DEFENDING SHAPE - (Re-) Position to create a high defensive line

• Create optimal defending distances between players

• Move as a collective unit: make play predictable

• Initiate pressure on the opponent with the ball

• Engage when chance of regaining the ball

BUILD PRESSURE ON THE BALL
• Provide cover and balance: eliminate passing options

• Prevent the switch: keep opponent on one side

• Protect space in behind: anticipate long ball

©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

• Immediately (re-) apply pressure on the ball

RECOVER WHEN PRESSURE IS BROKEN • Delay attack and regain defensive shape

• Look to intercept pass or win second ball

• Create passing option(s): between the lines

TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE TO COUNTER
• Create passing option(s): look to run in behind

• Get narrow and close the center: denying the through ball

• Marking and tracking opponent

DENY THE FINISH • Deny the cross

• Defending the cross: protect the width of the goal

• Challenge to protect against goal attempt 27

 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

D EF EN D IN G
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES
MAKE TEAM COMPACT: VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL
- (RE-)POSITION TO CREATE HIGH FRONT LINE
CREATE DEFENDING TEAM SHAPE - (RE-)POSITION TO CREATE HIGH DEFENSIVE LINE

CREATE OPTIMAL DEFENDING DISTANCES BETWEEN PLAYERS

MOVE AS A COLLECTIVE UNIT: MAKE PLAY PREDICTABLE

INITIATE PRESSURE ON THE OPPONENT WITH THE BALL

ENGAGE WHEN CHANCE OF REGAINING THE BALL

BUILD PRESSURE ON THE BALL
RECOVER WHEN PRESSURE IS BROKEN PROVIDE COVER AND BALANCE: ELIMINATE PASSING OPTIONS

PREVENT THE SWITCH: KEEP OPPONENT ON ONE SIDE

PROTECT SPACE IN BEHIND: ANTICIPATE LONG BALL

 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

D EF EN D IN G
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES

IMMEDIATELY (RE-)APPLY PRESSURE ON THE BALL

RECOVER WHEN PRESSURE IS BROKEN DELAY ATTACK AND REGAIN TEAM SHAPE

LOOK TO INTERCEPT PASS OR WIN THE SECOND BALL

CREATE PASSING OPTION(S): BETWEEN THE LINES

TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE TO COUNTER
CREATE PASSING OPTION(S): LOOK TO RUN IN BEHIND

GET NARROW AND CLOSE THE CENTER: DENYING THE THROUGH BALL

MARKING AND TRACKING OPPONENT

DENY THE FINISH
DENY THE CROSS
DEFENDING THE CROSS: PROTECT THE WIDTH OF THE GOAL
CHALLENGE TO PROTECT AGAINST GOAL ATTEMPT
 U13 - U16
PROGRESSION PHASES I & II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

DEFENDING
When we do not have the ball, we want to prevent the opponent from playing forward and regain the ball as high up the field as possible through compactness and pressing.
TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES PLAYER ACTIONS
FIELD PHASE OBJECTIVE
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES AGAINST THE BALL
• Intercepting
PREVENTING BUILD

• Regain the ball

ATTACING HALF

• Prevent the opponent • Make team compact: vertical and horizontal • Pressing
from playing forward -(Re-) Position to create a high front line
CREATE DEFENDING SHAPE • Challenging
• Deny penetration from -(Re-) Position to create high defensive line
UP

• Create optimal defending distances between players • Delaying

the dribble
• Reducing time and space • Block the shot
• Move as a collective unit: make play predictable SPATIAL & POSITIONAL AWARENESS
• Initiate pressure on the opponent with the ball
• Engage when chance of regaining the ball • Scanning
BUILD PRESSURE ON THE BALL
• Provide cover and balance: eliminate passing options
• Prevent the switch: keep opponent on one side
• Adapting body shape
DENYING CHANCES & SCORING

• Protect space in behind: anticipate long ball

• Immediately (re-) apply pressure on the ball
• Prevent goal • Delay attack and regain defensive shape
DEFENDING HALF

RECOVER WHEN PRESSURE IS BROKEN

• Deny a chance • Look to intercept pass or win second ball • Covering
• Regain the ball
• Prevent the opponent TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE TO • Create passing option(s): between the lines
from playing forward COUNTER • Create passing option(s): run in behind
• Deny penetration from
the dribble • Get narrow and close the center: denying the through
• Reducing time and space ball
• Marking and tracking opponent • Marking
DENY THE FINISH
• Deny the cross
• Defending the cross: protect the width of the goal
• Challenge to protect against goal attempt
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

DEFENDING TO ATTACKING

31
 U . S . S O C C E R F E D E R A T I O N

TH E G AM E IDEA
TEAM LOSING POSSESSION
DEFENDING TO ATTACKING
TRANSITION

When we regain the ball, we immediately think and play forward, look to attack at maximum
speed in order to create chances and score goals.

When we recognize we cannot play forward, we keep the ball and move into our attacking
shape.
DEFENDING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE MIDDLE THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE ATTACKING THIRD - TEAM KEY OBJECTIVE
• Score goal
• Create goal scoring chance (assist)
• Play forward • Create goal scoring chance (assist)
• Play forward
• Keep the ball • Play forward
• Keep the ball
• Keep the ball
 U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION - TECHNICAL PLAN
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
11v11 U13 - U14 U15-U16
PROGRESSION PHASE I PROGRESSION PHASE II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND
FINISHING FINISHING

DEFENDING TO ATTACKING TRANSITION

TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES
• First action forward
PLAY FORWARD QUICKLY
• Continue to play forward
• Play out of pressure
SECURE THE BALL
• Keep the ball and initiate build up
• Provide support in front of the ball
JOIN THE ATTACK WITH SPEED • Provide as much width as necessary
• Provide support behind the ball
• Push up the defensive line with speed: stay connected and
TAKE COUNTERMEASURES : ANTICIPATE THE
compact
COUNTER
• Create prevention shape behind the ball
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

• Create and exploit space for self or teammate

FINISH THE COUNTERATTACK AS FAST AS • Attack space or engage opponent

POSSIBLE
• Recognize player in a better position to score
• Finish: use limited touches

33
 S T Y L E O F P L A Y

D EF EN D IN G T O AT T AC K IN G
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB-PRINCIPLES

FIRST ACTION FORWARD

PLAY FORWARD QUICKLY
CONTINUE TO PLAY FORWARD

PLAY OUT OF PRESSURE

SECURE THE BALL
KEEP THE BALL: INITIATE BUILD-UP

PROVIDE SUPPORT IN FRONT OF THE BALL

JOIN THE ATTACK WITH SPEED PROVIDE AS MUCH WIDTH AS NECESSARY

PROVIDE SUPPORT BEHIND THE BALL

PUSH UP THE DEFENSIVE LINE WITH SPEED: STAY CONNECTED AND COMPACT
TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE THE COUNTER
CREATE DEFENSIVE SHAPE BEHIND THE BALL

CREATE AND EXPLOIT SPACE FOR SELF OR TEAMMATE

FINISH THE COUNTERATTACK AS FAST AS POSSIBLE ATTACK SPACE OR ENGAGE OPPONENT

RECOGNIZE PLAYER IN A BETTER POSITION TO SCORE

FINISH: USE LIMITED TOUCHES
 U13 - U16
PROGRESSION PHASES I & II
SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

DEFENDING TO ATTACKING
When we regain the ball, we immediately think and play forward, look to attack at maximum speed in order to create chances and score goals.
When we recognize we cannot play forward, we keep the ball and move into our attacking shape.

FIELD PHASE OBJECTIVE

TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLES PLAYER ACTIONS
MAIN PRINCIPLES SUB PRINCIPLES WITH THE BALL
• Controlling
DEFENDING HALF

• First action forward

PLAY FORWARD QUICKLY
BUILDING UP

• Continue to play forward

• Protecting
• Advance the ball
• Keep the ball • Driving
• Play out of pressure
SECURE THE BALL
• Keep the ball and initiate build up
• Dribbling

• Passing
• Provide support in front of the ball
JOIN THE ATTACK WITH SPEED • Provide as much width as possible • Shooting
• Provide support behind the ball
CREATING & SCORING

SPATIAL & POSITIONAL AWARENESS

ATTACKING HALF

• Push up the defensive line with speed: stay connected and

• Score goal compact
TAKE COUNTERMEASURES: ANTICIPATE THE COUNTER
• Create chance • Create prevention shape behind the ball • Scanning
• Advance the ball
• Keep the ball
• Create and exploit space for self or teammate • Supporting
• Attack space or engage the opponent
FINISH THE COUNTERATTACK
• Recognize player in better position to score
• Finish: use limited touches • Adapting body shape
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

GAME PLAN

36
 What is a game plan?
A detailed plan of action designed to carefully express
the approach to compete against a specific opponent
in specific circumstances
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

3
7
 TEAM STYLE OF PLAY
TEAM IDENTITY

GAME MODEL

GAME IDEA

TEAM TACTICAL MAIN

TEAM TACTICAL SUB PRINCIPLES INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ACTION
PRINCIPLES

GAME PLAN
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

38
 What is a game strategy?
The game strategy is a part of the game plan.

It is the general plan of action in all moments of the game

that is developed to increase the probability of
success (desired result) versus an opponent.

It considers own style of play and analysis of the

opponent.
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

Based on current contextual information and is therefore

flexible by nature.

3
9
 TEAM STYLE OF PLAY
TEAM IDENTITY

GAME MODEL

GAME IDEA

TEAM TACTICAL MAIN

TEAM TACTICAL SUB PRINCIPLES INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ACTION
PRINCIPLES

GAME PLAN

GAME STRATEGY
©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

FORMATION
TACTICS
SYSTEM OF PLAY

TEAM TASK FUNCTIONAL GROUP TASK INDIVIDUAL TASK

Specific responsibility for a group of players with a relationship
Specific responsibility for all players Specific roles and responsibilities of an individual player
between them during the game to execute the tactics by aligning
as part of the game plan in a specific situation and synchronizing individual positional tasks during the game to execute the tactics
40
 Tactics
System of Play Specific attacking and
Formation The way we create defending actions,
The way we provide team shape (desired application of a set of
structure to the team, structure and team tactical
line up and connect distances between (sub)principles,
players on the field players) and balance performed by players
without the specific in the team with to execute the
context of a game (attacking) and strategy in order to
situation without the ball create an advantage
(defending) over the opponent in a
specific game
situation
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, you should:

Ø Know the definition and components of a game model
Ø Understand the U.S. Soccer Style of Play and Game Model
Ø Know the definition and components of a game plan
©2022 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval

4
2
 THANK YOU

©2021 U.S. Soccer | CONFIDENTIAL — Not to be shared without U.S. Soccer approval