Segment 1 (00:00 - 00:45)
Barcelona defensive perspective:
- Note that the backs start at the top of the defensive third.
- The backs knock the ball around the top of their defensive third.
- Note how wide the outside backs are. You have to run to get that wide!
- Note that the center backs immedialtey RUN back to support after passing the ball. Many of the first balls are played backward and yet the reciever is still facing up field.
- Do not swing the ball to another back as long as these passes unless your target has a number of yards (>15?) between her and the opponent. The softer ball you play greater the distance has to be. Target: you have to run back to get this distance away from the opponent.
- Before you receive the ball, you should be looking upfield for an open target. Advance the ball immiedately with a positive first touch.
- Midfielders: Find an opening to splt the opponents. If you get a ball with your back to goal, find a target in the backfield.
Seattle offensive perspective:
- Forwards need to work together to apply pressure. The left forward is working harder than the right forward and will only get frustrated.
- This is the area of the field to take a chance. Be deceptive.
Barcelona offensive perspective:
- The Seattle left wing is eventually drawn into the middle leaving an opening to attack the right flank.
- At the end of the segment note how high the Barcelona striker is.
Segment 2 (00:45 - 02:00)
Barcelona perspective:
- Note who carries the ball into the 18... it is the outside left back! Go back and watch the run that is made to get there.
- They have enough players forward to work the ball around until the defense breaks down and there is chance to score.
- Seattle midfielder goes from zone to man-to-man defense leaving an opening for the shooter. When you get closer to the opponent's net (~18) the defenders must start to mark you closer and go to a man-to-man. In this case a run up the middle pulled the midfielder out of a zonal position to leave space for the shooter (01:00)(01:34)(01:42). At the same time, another run was made up the right flank to draw another potential defender away (01:00). A third run was made by the striker across the net to occupy another defender (01:00)(01:34)(01:42). Make runs! You are doing something even if you don't receive the ball.
- Not a bad shot.
Segment 3 (02:00 - 02:45)
Seattle defensive perspective:
- Seattle was well positioned to defend this play. Note the swoosh in the formation (02:30). However, they were not able to apply pressure in the midfield and allowed for an unchallenged service into the box.
- When a forward runs through the line someone(s) must anticipate were the run will end and get there first. If they run, you run. It is even better if you run before they run.
- In a flat line defense, the area behind the pressuring back will be the most vulnerable area. Support. Get there first.
Barcelona offensive perspective:
- In a flat line defense, the area behind the pressuring back will be the most vulnerable area. Make a diagonal run there. Serve the ball there. Away from the keeper!
Segment 4 (02:45 - 03:49)
Seattle defensive perspective:
- Again they were well positioned to defend but were unable to challenge the service into the box.
- The outside back mistimes the play by stepping forward when the ball is played (03:29) but does a good job recognizing his mistake and heading back. However, he is a little late and doesn't give 110% effort to stop the shot.
Barcelona offensive perspective:
- Note that the outside back makes an overlapping run. This caused the defense to shift and left an open player in the midfield. The outside back's run was so far up field he was in an offiside position when the service was made(03:29). There was no offence because he was not involved in the play.
- Note how high the striker is (03:22-)
- Serve the ball away from the keeper.
Segment 5 (03:49 - 04:50)
Seattle defensive perspective:
- Again they were well positioned to defend but the outside back failed to anticipate the run that was made.
Barcelona offensive perspective:
- Note how high the striker is (03:40). There in no offence on the offside because he is never involved in the play.
- Serve the ball away from the keeper.
Segment 6 (04:50 - 05:55)
Seattle defensive perspective:
- Again they were well positioned to defend but soon were outnumbered on the right.
Barcelona offensive perspective:
- Guess who receives the ball in the 18 and takes the first shot??? Yes, the outside back on an overlapping run!
- Wingers: note that an alternative to driving the ball to the goal line is to cut back to the middle. Many times there will be space in that area in front of the defensive line. Go back and look at how the space in front of the defensive line was exploited in each segment.
