So chess bro. Love the break down on the difference between Possession Futbol and Positional Style. I prefer Positional Style but to each their own.
The reason why I posted this was because everyone seems to use the word possession soccer too freely and thus not allowing a team to form an identity for style of play. To say we teach possession in the USA does not mean we as Americans need to play like Spain.
Positional play many times is mistaken as possession soccer. While it incorporates possession it’s not possession soccer by itself. For example Positional play is the perfect system for the USA to adopt because it offers variability and flexibility in style of play given the type of players we already have and are developing. Positional play is a framework or a philosophy, but it's not a rigid set of rules. This allows for a multitude of interpretations and variations based on the coach's vision, the players' skill sets, the team's overall objectives, and the footballing culture of the country or club. Hence, two teams can both employ positional play but manifest it in vastly different styles on the pitch.
Here are a few factors that can influence these variations:
1. **Personnel**: The specific talents and abilities of players can shape how positional play is executed. A team with speedy wingers might exploit width more, while a team with a dominant midfield might focus on central overloads.
2. **Cultural Influences**: Different footballing cultures emphasize different aspects of the game. For example, Spanish football has traditionally emphasized close control and short passing, leading to a particular style of positional play. In contrast, Dutch "Total Football" has its own interpretations of positional play.
3. **Tactical Preferences of the Coach**: Even within the umbrella of positional play, a coach might prioritize certain principles. Some might emphasize quick ball circulation to disorient the defense, while others might focus on drawing opponents in to exploit spaces behind them.
4. **Opposition**: The nature of the opposition can also dictate the style. A team facing a high press might employ different positional play strategies than when facing a team that sits deep.
5. **Game State**: If a team is ahead, they might use positional play to control the game and maintain possession. If they're chasing a result, they might use it more aggressively to break down defenses.
6. **Integration with Other Tactics**: While positional play can be a team's dominant philosophy, it's often integrated with other tactics. For instance, some teams might combine positional play with high pressing, while others might transition into a counter-attacking stance after a certain phase of positional play.
For a real-world example, consider the differences between how Pep Guardiola's Barcelona and Manchester City teams have employed positional play. Both teams operate under the philosophy of positional play, but there are clear differences in tempo, player roles, and specific patterns of play, reflecting the unique attributes of the players and the challenges of the respective leagues.
In essence, positional play provides a tactical foundation, but it's the nuances, variations, and integrations that give each team its unique identity.
Meanwhile Possession soccer at its roots is the perfect framework for kids. For young players, especially those under 12, the primary objectives in their soccer development should be:
1. **Enjoyment of the Game**: Making sure they love playing and want to continue.
2. **Developing Fundamental Skills**: Ensuring they have the technical foundation upon which they can build as they grow older.
**Possession soccer** is an approach that aligns well with these objectives for several reasons:
1. **Touch on the Ball**: Emphasizing possession ensures that players get plenty of touches on the ball. The more touches they get, the better their ball control, dribbling, and passing skills will become.
2. **Encourages Passing & Teamwork**: Possession soccer emphasizes keeping the ball within the team, which naturally encourages players to pass and support one another. This can foster a sense of teamwork and understanding of basic game mechanics like supporting angles and moving the ball away from pressure.
3. **Builds Confidence**: Being comfortable on the ball and not feeling rushed to get rid of it can boost a young player's confidence. As they become more adept at maintaining possession, their self-assurance in their abilities will likely grow.
4. **Understanding of Space**: While possession soccer is simpler than advanced tactical concepts like positional play, it still introduces players to the idea of using space. They'll start recognizing when to pass, when to dribble, and when to move into open areas.
5. **Reduces Pressure**: At younger ages, focusing on possession reduces the pressure of always trying to score or win. Instead, the emphasis is on skill development, understanding, and enjoyment.
6. **Foundation for Future Learning**: Mastering the basics of possession soccer lays a solid foundation for introducing more complex tactical ideas later on. Once players are comfortable with the ball at their feet and understand the basics of passing and movement, they'll be better equipped to understand concepts like positional play, pressing, or counter-attacking in their teenage years.
In summary, possession soccer offers a great framework for young players to develop their skills and understanding of the game. It's a balanced approach that emphasizes individual skill, teamwork, and enjoyment, all essential components for youth soccer development.
