playing style

A pro-active possession brand of football based on getting the ball and players into attacking areas as soon as possible and allowing creative, unpredictable individuals to create and convert goal scoring opportunities. 

Defensively we are patient in our approach to winning the ball back, this will be achieved by being compact in our defensive structures reducing our opponents ability to get into attacking areas. 

The Playing Style is underpinned by a mixture of intelligent, athletic, technically gifted and disciplined players. 

Principles for Scoring Goals

Pro-active, effective possession will give us the best opportunity to get players and the ball into attacking zones quicker. 
Fast, effective possession through quick ball movement and forward passing will get players and the ball into attacking zones faster in transition moments. 
We must have the ball in the attacking zones to create goal scoring opportunities. 
Creating a numerical advantage in attacking zones #2 and #3 will provide the best opportunities to create goal scoring opportunities. 
Getting players into the 18 yard box, attacking zone 1 will provide the best opportunity to convert goal scoring opportunities. 
Creative, unpredictable, intelligent players are required in attacking positions to create and convert goal scoring opportunities. 
Planned and varied set pieces from both attacking free kicks and corners which help to create goal scoring opportunities.

Principles for Preventing Goals

The opposition cannot score goals if we are in possession. 
We must deny the opponents the opportunity to play into advanced attacking positions by staying compact defensively reducing space in which they can play into. 
We must be patient in winning the ball back by allowing our opponents have possession high up the field to allow us to get set in our defensive positons if we cannot press the ball carrier. 
We must be aggressive and collectively press to win the ball If the opposition are not in complete control of possession, e.g. misplaced pass or poor 1st Touch. 
In transition we must slow down the opponents ability to play forward quickly so that we can set ourselves in our BPO positions. 
We must be disciplined not to give away any unnecessary fouls in our defensive third. 
We must be organised and disciplined when defending set pieces. 

Quality Required of Players

Players require different qualities depending on their position because each role has distinct responsibilities on the field. Defenders require strength, tactical awareness, and tackling ability to stop opponents, while midfielders need stamina, vision, and passing skills to link defence and attack. Strikers prioritise speed, positioning, and finishing to score goals, whereas goalkeepers must excel in reflexes, shot-stopping, and command of the penalty area. Tailoring skills to positions ensures balance and effectiveness in a team’s overall strategy, maximising each player’s contribution to their specific role.

Below outlines the qualities required of players in a high performance environment.