Positional Play
Original Location: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/positional-play
Description: Positional play, also referred to as “juego de posición,” is a tactical philosophy rooted in the idea of dominating both space and possession on the field.
Course Structure
Introduction: Understanding Positional Play
Positional play provides the foundation—an organized framework that allows players to understand space, movement, and decision making. Within that structure, relational play can flourish, giving players the freedom to combine, adapt, and express creativity in a way that enhances the team’s overall tactical intelligence.
The roots of positional play can be traced back to visionary coaches like Rinus Michels, whose revolutionary “Total Football” philosophy in the 1970s redefined how the game was played.
Course Chapters
Chapter 1: Total Football: Origin Story
- Rinus Michels and the Dutch revolution
- Ajax and Netherlands national team
- The foundation for modern positional play
Chapter 2: Total Football to Positional Play (Draft)
- Evolution of the philosophy
- Key figures in the transition
Chapter 3: The Core Principles of Positional Play (Draft)
- Overview of fundamental concepts
Core Principles
Chapter 4: Principle 1 | Creating Overloads (Draft)
- Numerical superiority in zones
- How to create and exploit overloads
Chapter 5: Principle 2 | Triangles and Diamonds (Draft)
- Geometric passing shapes
- Creating passing lanes and options
Chapter 6: Principle 3 | Exploiting Spaces (Draft)
- Identifying and attacking space
- Movement to create gaps
Chapter 7: Principle 4 | Control and Patience (Draft)
- Ball retention philosophy
- Waiting for the right moment to attack
Key Elements
Chapter 8: Structured Positioning (Draft)
- Player roles and spacing
- Maintaining shape while attacking
Chapter 9: Decision Making (Draft)
- When to pass, when to dribble, when to shoot
- Reading the game
Chapter 10: Communication (Draft)
- Verbal and non-verbal cues
- Team understanding
Benefits of Positional Play
Chapter 11: Benefit 1 | Control (Draft)
- Dictating the tempo of the game
- Possession dominance
Chapter 12: Benefit 2 | Creativity (Draft)
- Freedom within structure
- Expressing individual skill in the system
Chapter 13: Benefit 3 | Defensive Stability (Draft)
- Shape when losing possession
- Counter-pressing opportunities
Challenges
Chapter 14: Challenge 1 | Complexity (Draft)
- Learning curve for players
- Teaching the system
Chapter 15: Challenge 2 | Predictability (Draft)
- Risk of opponents reading the play
- Adding variation
Chapter 16: Challenge 3 | Physical Demands (Draft)
- Fitness requirements
- Managing workload
Final Thoughts
- Applying positional play to your team
- Adapting the philosophy to your context
Philosophy Overview
Structured vs. Relational Play
The ongoing debate between structured positional play and a more fluid, relational style has sparked endless discussions among coaches. These two approaches are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary:
- Positional Play: Provides the foundation—an organized framework
- Relational Play: Flourishes within that structure, allowing freedom to combine, adapt, and express creativity
Historical Lineage
- Rinus Michels - Total Football pioneer
- Johan Cruyff - Played under Michels, later coached with these principles
- Pep Guardiola - Modern evolution at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City