Pep Guardiola: Explaining his favorite Positional Game 4 v 4 + 3 neutrals

What is Positional Game?

Positional Play – Juego De Pocision is a philosophy that has many principles but the fundamental principle is the search for superiority. Numerical, Positional, Qualitative and Socio-affective are all types of superiorities that a coach looks to train through such kind of drills. Identify the space, the proper timing and quality in passing and receiving are skills required for the drills to be successful. Pep Guardiola believes in Positional Play and this is something that the great Johan Cruyff taught him.

You can find more information in the book “Positional Play in Modern Football“

Positional Game 4 v 4 + 3 neutrals

Description

Pep Guardiola’s favorite positional game. A 15 x 20 m area. Two teams with 4 players and 3 neutrals. One neutral at each end of the grid and one inside. Lots of balls ready for quick restarts. The team in possession tries to keep the ball using the neutral players to help them. If either of the teams makes five passes in a row, they get a point. One additional rule could be to move the ball from one end to the other to apply directionality and forward play. If the ball goes out a new ball is served to a neutral player. If the defenders recover the ball, they should pass to one of the outside neutrals and switch roles with the attackers. The team who lost the ball should quickly press the ball.

Progression

• Limit the neutrals to 1 or 2 touches
• Make the grid smaller to increase the difficulty of the drill
• Forbid the passes between the players on the same wide line to enhance the play from the central and between the lines

Coaching points:

• Team shape during possession. Create triangles and rhombus, always have players wide (2 in each side) to keep the width)
• Prefer diagonal and vertical passes
• Patience to disorganize the opponents
• Quick transition to attack and defense