Basic Attacking Patterns

TLDR

This section challenges the common backwards approach of analysing goals by focusing on the final shot rather than understanding how goal-scoring opportunities are created from the moment possession is won.

Establishes three distinct phases of attack creation: immediate recovery (0-3 seconds after winning possession) focusing on first decision-making and immediate passing options, initial progression (3-8 seconds) determining whether attacks develop momentum through ball movement and player positioning, and final third entry (8+ seconds) converting possession into genuine goal-scoring opportunities.

Identifies positive build-up triggers including immediate forward passes, movement to create space before ball arrival, quick combination play under pressure, and switches away from congestion, contrasted with negative triggers like too many touches, static support players, wrong direction play, and missed switching opportunities.

The framework provides systematic analysis through identifying attack origins, tracking build-up development, evaluating final third entry quality, and recognising recurring patterns and triggers.

Development progresses from mastering phase recognition to trigger identification to pattern analysis integration, ultimately enabling coaches to design training that creates more goal-scoring opportunities rather than simply reacting to goals scored or missed through systematic understanding of how attacks develop from possession recovery to final third penetration.

Why Most Coaches Analyse Attacking Play Backwards

Common approach: Watch the goal, analyse the final pass, focus on the finish

Professional approach: Analyse how the goal-scoring opportunity was created from the beginning

Most coaches see the shot, the cross, the final pass, and assume that’s where analysis should focus. But goals aren’t created in the final third, they’re created in the build-up.

The moment possession changes hands is when goal-scoring opportunities begin developing.

The Three Phases of Attack Creation

Phase 1: Immediate Recovery (0-3 seconds after winning possession)

This is the most crucial phase for creating attacking opportunities.

Key Analysis Questions:

• Where was the ball won? (Position affects available options)
• How many opponents were pressing the ball winner?
• What passing options were immediately available?
• Did the ball winner recognise the best option quickly?

Successful Phase 1 Patterns:

• Ball winner immediately looks up and assesses options
• Players around the ball winner offer multiple passing angles
• Quick, simple pass away from pressure while maintaining possession
• Forward pass made within 3 seconds when space allows

Failed Phase 1 Patterns:

• Ball winner takes too many touches before passing
• No teammates moving to create passing options
• Panic pass under pressure without looking
• Hesitation that allows opposition to organise defensive pressure

6W Analysis Example:

• WHAT: Immediate ball recovery and first pass decision
• WHO: Centre-midfielder wins the ball, left-back and right-midfielder available
• WHERE: Centre circle, the opposition had been attacking
• WHEN: 34th minute, game tied 1-1, moderate pressure
• HOW: Clean tackle, quick look up, simple pass to open teammate
• OUTCOME: Retained possession, moved ball away from pressure, created a platform for attack

Phase 2: Initial Progression (3-8 seconds after winning possession)

This phase determines whether attacks develop momentum or stagnate.

Key Analysis Questions:

• Did we move the ball away from immediate pressure?
• Were players making runs to create progressive passing options?
• Did we maintain possession or rush into the next phase?
• How quickly did the opposition react to our possession?

Successful Phase 2 Patterns:

• Ball moves away from congested areas through passing or dribbling
• Players ahead of the ball make movement to create space and options
• Tempo appropriate for situation (quick when space available, patient when under pressure)
• Opposition forced to reorganise defensively

Failed Phase 2 Patterns:

• Ball remains in the same area where it was won (pressure continues)
• Players static, forcing the ball carrier into difficult decisions
• Rushed passing into areas where the opposition can easily regain possession
• Tempo inappropriate for the situation (too slow when space available, too rushed under pressure)

Phase 3: Final Third Entry (8+ seconds after winning possession)

This phase converts possession into goal-scoring opportunities.

Key Analysis Questions:

• How did we enter the final third (wide areas, central penetration, over the top)?
• Were we patient in the build-up or seeking immediate chances?
• What was the numerical situation when we reached dangerous areas?
• Did our final third entry create genuine goal-scoring opportunities?

Successful Phase 3 Patterns:

• Clear pathway to the final third through systematic build-up
• Players in advanced positions ready to receive and create/finish chances
• Numerical equality or advantage in the final third areas
• Final third entry leads to shots, crosses, or set pieces in dangerous areas

Failed Phase 3 Patterns:

• Build-up breaks down before reaching the final third
• Final third reached, but no players in position to capitalise
• Outnumbered in the final third due to poor support play
• Final third entry doesn’t create genuine goal-scoring opportunities

Build-Up Triggers: What Creates and Destroys Attacks

Positive Build-Up Triggers

1. Immediate Forward Pass After Ball Recovery

• Ball winner spots and executes a forward pass within 3 seconds
• Catches opposition before they can organise a defensive structure
• Creates momentum and forces opposition to defend rather than press

2. Movement to Create Space Before Ball Arrival

• Players anticipate where the ball will be won and position accordingly
• Creating passing angles and options before the ball winner needs them
• Allows quick, simple decisions under pressure

3. Quick Combination Play Under Pressure

• 2-3 quick passes that eliminate immediate pressing players
• Maintains possession while moving the ball to less congested areas
• Creates numerical advantages through ball movement

4. Switches of Play Away from Pressure

• Recognition that pressure exists on one side, space available on the other
• Ability to move the ball quickly from congested to open areas
• Uses the full width of the pitch to create attacking opportunities

Negative Build-Up Triggers

1. Too Many Touches Before Passing

• Ball winner holds the ball too long, allowing pressure to increase
• Reduces passing options and increases the likelihood of losing possession
• Allows opposition time to organise a defensive structure

2. Static Support Players

• Teammates don’t move when possession is won
• Forces ball winner into poor passing decisions or risky individual actions
• No progressive passing options available

3. Wrong Direction Play

• Playing backwards or sideways when forward/wide options exist
• Kills attacking momentum and allows the opposition to recover
• Misses opportunities to exploit space and numerical advantages

4. Missed Switching Opportunities

• Failure to recognise space available on the opposite side of the pitch
• Continues to play in congested areas when a simple switch would create space
• Allows opposition to focus defensive efforts on a smaller area

Common Build-Up Breakdown Analysis

The Panic Pass Pattern

What it looks like: Ball won → immediate pressure → rushed pass → possession lost

6W Analysis:

• WHAT: Possession lost immediately after winning the ball
• WHO: Ball winner under pressure from 2 opponents, no support movement
• WHERE: Defensive third, near touchline
• WHEN: Within 3 seconds of winning possession
• HOW: Pressure applied before support arrives, limited passing options
• OUTCOME: Ball lost, opposition counter-attack opportunity created

Root Cause: Players not anticipating ball recovery, no predetermined support positions

Training Solution: Pressure passing practices with immediate support movement

The Static Support Pattern

What it looks like: Ball won → good initial control → no passing options → forced into error

Analysis Focus:

• Why weren’t teammates moving to create options?
• Were there predetermined support positions?
• Did players recognise the ball recovery trigger?
• How can we create automatic support reactions?

Training Connection: Movement patterns when ball is won in different areas

The Wrong Direction Pattern

What it looks like: Ball won → backwards/sideways pass → attacking momentum lost → opportunity missed

Analysis Focus:

• Were forward options actually available?
• Did the ball winner have time to assess options?
• Was backward pass forced by pressure or chosen voluntarily?
• What would have happened with forward play?

Training Connection: Decision-making under pressure with multiple options

Attacking Pattern Analysis Framework

Step 1: Identify Attack Origin

• Where did possession change hands?
• What were the circumstances of ball recovery?
• What immediate options were available?

Step 2: Track Build-Up Development

• How did possession progress from recovery to final third?
• Which phases were successful/unsuccessful?
• Where did momentum increase or decrease?

Step 3: Evaluate Final Third Entry

• Did build-up create a genuine goal-scoring opportunity?
• What was the quality of the final third entry?
• How did the opposition defend against the attack?

Step 4: Identify Patterns and Triggers

• What consistently creates successful attacks?
• What consistently breaks down attacking play?
• Which triggers can be improved through training?

Practical Analysis Exercise: 15-Minute Attack Focus

Exercise Setup:

Choose 15 minutes of match footage and focus exclusively on attacking patterns

Analysis Process:

Step 1: Identify All Possession Changes (5 minutes)

• Note every time your team wins the ball
• Record location and method of ball recovery
• Don’t analyse yet - just identify starting points

Step 2: Track 5 Attacking Sequences (10 minutes)

• Choose 5 most significant ball recoveries
• Apply 3-phase analysis to each sequence
• Use 6W framework for key moments in each phase

Step 3: Pattern Recognition (5 minutes)

• Compare successful vs unsuccessful sequences
• Identify common triggers for success/failure
• Note recurring themes across multiple attacks

Expected Findings:

• 2-3 clear patterns in attacking development
• Specific phases where attacks succeed/fail most often
• Clear training priorities based on pattern analysis

Grassroots-Specific Attacking Patterns

Youth Team Patterns (Under-16)

Common Successful Patterns:

• Simple, direct attacks with a maximum 4-5 passes
• Wing play with crossing opportunities
• Quick counter-attacks exploiting space behind defence

Common Breakdown Patterns:

• Over-complication in build-up phase
• Too many touches in final third
• Poor timing of runs in behind the defence

Adult Grassroots Patterns

Common Successful Patterns:

• Patient build-up with switches of play
• Set piece exploitation
• Physical advantage exploitation in the final third

Common Breakdown Patterns:

• Slow tempo, allowing defensive organisation
• Limited movement without the ball
• Poor decision-making under pressure

Success Indicators for Attacking Analysis

You’re developing attacking analysis skills when:

• Can identify all three phases in any attacking sequence
• Recognise positive and negative build-up triggers consistently
• Can explain why attacks succeed or fail using systematic analysis
• Training recommendations directly address identified attacking patterns

You’ve mastered basic attacking analysis when:

• Can predict attack success/failure based on early phase analysis
• Players recognise and confirm the accuracy of your attacking observations
• Team improvement is visible in areas targeted by attacking analysis
• Can help other coaches develop attacking analysis skills

Understanding attacking patterns transforms you from someone who reacts to goals scored/missed to someone who designs training that creates more goal-scoring opportunities.

Part of the Learn How To Analyse A Match Course - Core Analysis Skill