Pressing in the time continuum

High and mid-press, tactical awareness.

“Midline, go back to midline!” - I was shouting from the sideline for the whole ten minutes, when they pushed us to defense. ‘Don’t waste energy! Block defending!’ - my shouts slowly started working.

We were conceding goal after goal. It happens often in 6-a-side games. There is a crazy game, and goals are bagged one after another. Still, we couldn’t score and were already six down.

I stepped out - on the smaller ground, turf surrounded by airy cage with a roof - we have rolling subs. Wasn’t tired at all, rather frustrated and angry.

For me, it was obvious what was happening. Our three players (out of six, including the keeper) were pressing the opponent’s goalie. He passed to his defender, that one instantly sneaked the ball to center of the pitch. Three ‘blues’ run forward, leaving our three pressers behind. It was three on two defenders and a keeper. Quick passes, another goal.

“How come they don’t see it?” - was asking myself. My white jersey team was running amok, disorganized, more and more frustrated. Weak high press easily beaten by just one pass, and again they are three on two. Goal conceded.

It is difficult to spot patterns being in the middle of the game, fighting for the ball. Much easier to see things from the couch watching game on TV. We are all experts then. Re-adjusting and regrouping tactically during the game, on field - as amateurs, we need to learn it. Same as youth prospects in academies do.

Started shouting teammates’ names. “Deepak! Daniel! Leave it!! Go back to midline!” – the message slowly was coming through. Mid-press activated. Defending more and more as a block. Snatching the ball, first chances.

Usually in the beginning of 6-a-side games, the play is very fluid. Players have pace, want to dribble, making full sprints, and everyone goes back to defend. With time, you lose pace. Can’t keep that high level of energy. We are amateurs, after all.

It’s difficult to switch your mindset as a team. Time stops, and you try the same thing that had worked in the beginning. Team which first realizes change is happening, will use the weakness or alter its game plan, and will control the game.  

Went on the turf. Playing in front - each time going back to the midline while defending. Ushering guys to do the same, scolding ones who tried to push forward.

We were fierce defending as a block. No allowing easy dribble, through balls. No more conceding. Now we were using the counter-attack. Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal counter style – snatching the ball, running, passing, scoring. There was flow, energy, smart but simple passes, purpose. One team, one mind.

“You were amazing” - said Amul from the blue team. “The chase from six down was amazing’ - he shook his head.

Blue keeper's tirade to his team after the game was loud and angry. Sir Alex Ferguson’s style ‘hairdryer’ treatment. Best review - we did good as a team.

All images - Wikicommons licence.