To successfully implement the attacking principle of Penetration, players in different positions must understand and fulfill their specific roles within the team.
Start A Counter
Playing long passes:
Central defenders and fullbacks can contribute to Penetration by playing long, accurate passes to target forwards or wingers in advanced positions.
Supporting the attack:
Fullbacks should join the attack when appropriate, providing width and additional passing options in the final third.
Defensive organization:
While applying Penetration, defenders must maintain a strong defensive structure to protect against counter-attacks and quick transitions by the opposition.
Initiating counter-attacks:
Defenders should look for opportunities to quickly transition from defense to attack, using accurate, forward passes to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure.
Penetrate & Support
Playing penetrative passes:
Midfielders are responsible for identifying and exploiting gaps in the opposition’s defence with accurate, forward passes.
Supporting attackers:
Midfielders should move into advanced positions to support attacking players, offering options for combinations and quick exchanges.
Defensive cover:
While applying Penetration, midfielders must also be mindful of their defensive responsibilities, ensuring they maintain a balance between attack and defence.
Transition play:
Midfielders play a crucial role in quickly transitioning from defence to attack, using their vision and passing abilities to initiate penetrating moves.
By understanding and executing their roles in applying Penetration, players in different positions can work together to break through defensive lines, maintain possession, and generate goal-scoring opportunities, effectively destabilizing the opposition’s defence.
Attack & Finish
Exploiting defensive gaps:
Forwards and attacking midfielders should identify and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive line, making well-timed runs to receive penetrative passes.
Dribbling:
Wingers and forwards must use their dribbling skills to beat defenders in 1v1 situations, creating space for teammates and unsettling the opposition’s defence.
Combination play:
Attackers should participate in quick passing combinations, such as one-twos or give-and-gos, using the Penetration principle to break down the opposition’s defence.
Finishing:
It is essential for attackers to have strong finishing abilities to capitalize on the goal-scoring opportunities created by Penetration.
