IT IS NOT THAT (III) (2)

It is said that, as you train, as you play. I favor the reverse: As you play, as you train. I mean, if you want to play in a certain way, you have to train THIS particular way. Translated: if you want to play POSITIONAL game with ball possession, this is what should be the basis of our training.

To understand each other, we must know the difference between "Rondos" and "Possession games". "Rondos" are outnumbered games (4v2, 6V3, etc.), where the holders of the ball are basically at the outside and those who want to recover, inside, as shown in the following figure (4v2):

"Possession games" are based on the numerical equality or light superiority of holders, usually with the help of "jokers" (Neutral players), ie players that go with the team that has possession of the ball. Players do not always have "positions", although there may be so, as the jokers.

This example is 4v4+3​​C, that means, 2 teams of 4 players, with 3 players going with the team that has the ball.

Traditionally, "Rondos" have been associated with warm-ups and similar. However, if we look at the previous 4v2 we can assume that player at the bottom is the Goalkeeper; there are two out, the Center Backs and, at the top of the Central Midfielder. But we can think that the one at the bottom is the CM, with the Attacking Midfielders at his, and above, the Striker. More options? So Left Winger (top) Left Back (left), Left AM (right) and CM (bottom). A different one? Right AM (top), Right FB (right), Right CB (bottom) and CM (left). And so, we could be putting players and positions. So, starting with a "Rondo", we'll have many situations that can happen in a game. As simpll as this. Similar to this, but with all the players we have another:

This is 6+4+6v4. The team with possession works with 10 players in the classic arrangement of 1-4-3-3; the defending team makes only 6 players, with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, without the 4 defenders. When the yellow team gets the ball, they have to  look for pass to the 4 players who are out to put them in play and at the same time, make the 4 red team defenses have to leave, to return to have 10v6.

Something that characterizes this type of game is the number of touches. If what you want the ball go fast at matches, this must be done in training. And the "Rondos" are based on playing 1 or 2 touches  No more. Speed ​​and ball speed. And, this involves concentration and intensity. If this does not exist, the opponent recovers the ball and, you get to run after the ball to recover it.

Let's go the "Possession games". What we have put before (4v4+3C), is a "classic" when you are working at 1-4-3-3 formation. Each team has 2 FB and 2 AM; the 3 jokers represent 2 FB and the CM. So, the team that has the ball has 4 Defenders and 3 Midfielders. The FBs can not enter the playing area. They are to support whoever has the ball. Here, the game is already free of touches and players can pass or run with the ball depending on the situation. We are in a 4v4 situation with the three supports (1 inside and 2 outside).

Other widely used game is this:

This 6V4+4. Red players always play inside. The 4 yellow players inside players must recover the ball. When they do, they have 4 external support. This allows for width and depth, while serving as a game for "recovery" at the moment the ball is recovered, I have to play immediately with 1 outside player. With this, what you do is get the ball out of the danger zone when it is recovered.

There are other options, such as games of 4v4 (or 5v5)+2GK. Why these? A very simple reason. Most plays in a game includes 4-5 players per team directly involved in the play. The rest of the attacking team usually gives balance and the rest of the defense is not involved, in either case for being away from the ball.

Such games allow many variations: play a certain number of touches, make a minimum of passes before you can shoot, have jokers on the wings for crossing or support, etc.

There are many variations of both "Rondos" (3v1, 4v2, 5v2, 5v3, 6v3, 8v2, etc.), as for "Possession Games" (4v2+2, 6v3+3 , 5v5+2C, 4v4+4C, SSG as 4v4+2GK, etc.). All these activities (or similar), have been done in "La Masia" for many years and, as far as I know, they still do. What I don't know is if the 1st team continues to do so and therefore will play differently.

But, it is very possible that it is not that, comrades, it is not that.

Jordi Pascual

You can follow me on Twitter: @JordiPascualP