Practical Exercise: Attacking Analysis
STATUS: DRAFT
Now we apply the systematic approach to actual footage. This exercise follows the methodology used in the UEFA B licence: watch systematically, identify patterns, select examples for coaching points.
Analyse 3 Attacking Sequences
Select three different attacking sequences from your match footage:
- One that resulted in a goal or clear chance
- One that broke down in the final third
- One that never progressed beyond the middle third
For each sequence, apply the 6W framework:
Sequence 1 (Successful Attack)
| Question | Focus |
|---|---|
| What: | Which phase was most effective (build-up, space creation, or final third decision)? |
| Who: | Which players made the key contributions? |
| Where: | Which areas of the pitch were used most effectively? |
| When: | At what point did this attack become dangerous? |
| Why: | What made this attack successful? |
| What Next: | How can we create more attacks like this? |
Sequence 2 (Final Third Breakdown)
| Question | Focus |
|---|---|
| What: | Where specifically did the attack break down? |
| Who: | Which player made the crucial mistake or good defensive action? |
| Where: | In which part of the final third did we lose possession? |
| When: | At what moment did the attack become recoverable for the opposition? |
| Why: | What caused the breakdown (technique, decision-making, or tactical)? |
| What Next: | What training focus would prevent this breakdown? |
Sequence 3 (Never Progressed)
| Question | Focus |
|---|---|
| What: | Why couldn’t we progress the ball through midfield? |
| Who: | Which players were involved in losing possession? |
| Where: | In which area of the pitch did we lose the ball? |
| When: | How long did we have possession before losing it? |
| Why: | What prevented forward progression? |
| What Next: | What would have given us better options? |
Identify Patterns and Improvements
Look across all three sequences for common themes:
- Do we consistently struggle with the same type of build-up situation?
- Are there specific players who are consistently involved in breakdowns?
- Do we create chances from particular areas of the pitch more effectively?
- Are there defensive responses that consistently disrupt our attacks?
Submit Your Findings
Use the analysis templates provided to document your observations. Focus on:
- 2-3 key patterns observed across the sequences
- Specific training focuses these patterns suggest
- Clear examples that could be used for player feedback
Remember: the goal isn’t to find everything wrong with your attacking play. The goal is to find the 2-3 most important improvements that would have the biggest impact on your chance creation.
Part of the Learn How To Analyse A Match Course - Attacking Phase Analysis (Draft)