Finally, we are on to my favourite topic in football, defensive transitions. As some who covers the German Bundesliga and Liverpool primarily, its pretty obvious to see why I enjoy talking/writing about this topic so much. Defensive transitions occur constantly throughout a game or practice, and although classified as more of a defensive tool, counter-pressing is equally an offensive tool and a key component of most successful possession-based sides. If counter-pressing is done effectively, possession and attacks can be sustained in good areas, leading to control over a game and the opposition, and if combined with offensive quality, can lead to goalscoring opportunities. In this tactical analysis, we will look at the principles of defensive transitions, analyse how top teams are effective in defensive transition, and break down how to coach these principles with coaching practices included.
Overview
Below we can see a flow diagram I created showing an overview of whats involved in a defensive transition. Throughout the course of this analysis, each component should be covered in detail along with practices that include these components.
The pressing aspect
We will first look at the pressing aspect of counter-pressing, with the difference between pressing and counter-pressing simply being when it takes place, with counter-pressing occurring following a loss in possession. Therefore, some of the coaching points involved in pressing also apply to counter-pressing, and these are highlighted in green at the bottom of the flow diagram.
These coaching points come mostly on the individual who is pressing the ball carrier, who in this example is Alex Oxlade Chamberlain against Norwich. We can see the situation that occurs below is immediately after the ball is lost by Liverpool, and shows the picture Oxlade Chamberlain sees. We can also see the two immediate passing options the Norwich ball carrier has, and Oxlade Chamberlains position in relation to these options.
