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Leeds analysis thread#13 - Defensive transition in the middle third
Losing the ball in the middle third - decrease the opponent's space (mental switch from offensive principles to defensive principles).
Losing the ball in the middle third - decrease the opponent's space (mental switch from offensive principles to defensive principles).
The ball is further away from the goal so the team can play with more risk in defensive transition. The key here is to have proper distance from the marked player to have an effective transition.
Offensive principles - increased width and depth to defensive principles - more narrow and compact and try to get back the ball. Closing the space of the opponent prevents him from passing forward and prevents counterattacks.
When the opponent gets the ball in the middle third, the priority is to cut the opportunity of vertical play. This is done with immediate pressure on the ball carrier and closing out passing options.
Here the opponent has the pressure of decision - try to play vertically with higher risk or play the safe back pass - Leeds can force the play into even less dangerous zones, or force a mistake.
The mental switch must happen at the same time for all players because late reactions or bad decision making can lead to opportunities for the opponent to find space and make a clean ball possession sequence, or change the side of the attack.
