Practical Exercise: Attacking Analysis

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):

• 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):

• 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):

• 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.