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Positional Training in Elite Football: Context Matters

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 feature football medicine & performance

POSITION SPECIFIC & POSITIONAL

PLAY TRAINING IN ELITE FOOTBALL:
CONTEXT MATTERS
FEATURE / PAUL S BRADLEY, ANDRES MARTIN-GARCIA, JACK D ADE & ANTONIO GOMEZ DIAZ

Introduction during FC Barcelona matches centre backs to recover to a defensive position (Sequence
Those who have watched elite football across and midfielders (~300-400 m) cover less high 2). Three midfielders then switch the play
the last decade, realise that the game is speed running (>19.8 km.h-1) than forwards (Sequence 3). The opposite fullback runs
more demanding than ever1. This places more and fullbacks (~600-800 m) with the number down the channel while one forward drives
emphasis on training methods to prepare of intense accelerations (>3m.s-2) also highest inside. The fullback receives the ball from
players for the rigors of the game2. If we use for fullbacks and forwards (n=57-60) compared a midfielder and dribbles along the flank
the mantra of ‘train like you play’ it might to centre backs and midfielders (n=50-52). before crossing into the box (Sequence 4). All
be wise to complement existing practices This is combined with football specific context forwards break into the box while the centre
with conditioning drills related to a players’ to create conditioning practices for the backs defend the cross (Sequence 5). This
tactical role3 (e.g. position specific) and collective but also positions and individuals. circuit can end after this or be extended by
even elements of the club’s playing style/ Conditioning modes used at the club include including a recovery run or additional actions
energetic profile4 (e.g. positional play). Thus, simulated situations in the form of team such as a shot on goal (Sequence 6). This can
this piece will explore how such a stimulus circuits, small sided games and positional play be varied to challenge players with different
can be incorporated into two areas of football drills. scenarios with load controlled by manipulating
conditioning: (1) team training and (2) rules/drill configuration, work/rest, reps etc.
individual end stage rehabilitation. Examples Simulated Situations: Position Specific
are presented from two European clubs. Team Circuits Average load metrics for this circuit are
Circuits were developed to physically load not presented as FC Barcelona alter these
1. Positional Approaches to Team players in relation to position specific activities situations regularly to optimise the demands
Training: Using Examples from FC Barcelona while adhering to the teams playing style on each player in relation to their specific
FC Barcelona employ a unique training and individual player traits (Figure 1). For role and the team tactics for the next game.
model, incorporating a general and positional instance, players occupy common pitch areas However, a similar drill has been used by
stimulus4. The distinct playing style adopted for their respective positions. One version English Premier League U17-18 Academy
informs training. Emphasis is placed on of the circuit commences with a defensive players whereby all positions are worked
passing and combination play while loading midfielder heading a ball at the halfway line, together (Figure 2A-C). All tactical-physical
players physically5 Adding an extra layer before dribbling and passing the ball wide actions are based on integrated match data.9
of detail to training, staff examine match to a fullback (Sequence 1). The fullback then The drill starts with the fullback producing an
physical performances of each position/player passes to a supporting midfielder so he can effort in the defensive third (first sequence)
to prepare game scenarios5. For example, overlap at high intensity before turning rapidly before overlapping the wide midfielder, to

Figure 1. Position Specific Team Circuit from FC

Barcelona. (1) coach throws the ball to a defensive
midfielder to head before he passes to a fullback, (2)
fullback passes inside to overlap before recovering, (3)
B
midfielders switch the play, (4) ball is passed into the
channel for the fullback to run onto, while a forward
C drives inside, (5) selected forwards/midfielders break
into the box to attack the cross (options A-C) while the
5 centre backs defend. (6) a forward moves to the edge
of the box to receive a coaches pass before performing
A
a shot on goal.
4

3
2

www.fmpa.co.uk 31
 feature

receive a pass in the wide attacking third

to perform a cross (second sequence). A
Simultaneously, the centre forward breaks
into the box to score while being tracked by
the centre back, both having started in the
middle third of the pitch (first sequence). The
central midfielder drives through the middle
of the pitch performing an arc run to support
the attack ending with a possible shot on goal
(second sequence). At the end, all positions
produce a recovery run to individual pitch
locations (final sequence). Using a speed
endurance maintenance work to rest ratio of
1:2, all five positions produced 8 repetitions
of ~30 seconds with 60 seconds recovery.
This elicited an average and peak heart rate
response of ~80 and 93% of maximal heart
rate and produced a wide range of blood
lactate concentrations following the final
repetition of 6-16 mmol∙L-1. Drills in which all
positions are worked in unison with specific B
ball work adds variety to training while
loading physical qualities alongside some
tactical elements. More variation per rep is
present in these circuits as the intensity can
drop should one player perform a technical
skill poorly (pass/touch) resulting in some
positions having to slow down and alter
their runs. Another limitation is the lack of
unpredictable scenarios whereby individual
and collective positioning needs to adapt and
react accordingly, hence the complemented
use of position play drills (see below).

Figure 2. Position-Specific Speed Endurance Team

Drill. This drill has been employed by a English
Premier League Academy and has similarities to FC
Barcelona’s circuit. (A) first sequence of drill: Coach
plays ball inside FB to recover and play back to GK, at C
the same time the CM plays a bounce pass with CF
before playing a ball over the top for the CF and CB to
run on to contest. At the same time the WM drops to
support the play but then pushes up and wide for an
outlet for the GK. The FB then moves wide to receive
the ball from the GK, CM drops to support the FB. The
FB plays to the CM, the WM drops and moves inside
the pitch to support the play. The CM passes to the
WM whilst the FB performs an overlapping run. At the
same time the CF and CB challenge for the ball over
the top in a 1v1 situation resulting in the either the CF
shooting on goal or the CB performing a clearance.
(B) second sequence of drill: FB continues to perform
overlapping run, CB pushes up the pitch whilst the
CF performs a recovery run. The WM performs a trick
upon receiving the ball from the CM, runs with the ball
inside the pitch before playing a reverse pass out wide
to the FB. The CM performs an arced run before driving
through the middle of the pitch. The WM continues
to run through the middle of the pitch. The CB and CF
turn around the mannequin and start to accelerate
into the box. The CM continues to drive through the
middle of the pitch performing a swerve inside the
mannequin. The FB runs with the ball and crosses into
the box. The CF and CB run into the box to attack the
ball whilst the CM and WM attack the front of the box
and back post, respectively. (C) final sequence of drill:
All players perform recovery runs back to set positions.
See text above for description of drill.

32 [email protected]
 football medicine & performance

Figure 3. Game Formats of the Positional Play Drills. Black circle is team A, White circle is team B and Grey circle with ‘J’ is the ‘joker’ or
sometimes known as ‘floating’ players.6

Simulated Situations: Team Positional 11 v 7 W·kg-1. Additionally, game scenarios players adapt and thus return successfully. An
Play and Overload in Attack/Defensive in 3v2+2v1 also physically load players in effective mode for this stage of rehabilitation
Transition Drills their offensive/defensive roles but are not is speed endurance training, as it improves
Other simulated situations used by FC necessarily position specific but mimic football endurance and sprinting abilities11. This
Barcelona that have a subtler positional common dynamic positional scenarios while requires a player to perform intense football
stimulus but align with their playing style are conditioning players (TD: 110 m·min-1; ACC: 3 activity for 20-30 seconds using recovery
adapted small sided and positional games. n·min-1; DEC: 3 n·min-1; AMP: 14 W·kg-1). Rules, periods between 40-180 seconds, which is
These games are more dynamic than the player numbers, area, work/rest can all be repeated 8-10 times dependent on the aim
circuits above as players have priority areas adjusted based on the conditioning aim. Thus, of the drill (production training has a work to
in which space is tailored to the player’s football context is absolutely key for training rest ratio of ~1:5-1:6 and maintenance training
customary context in competition but prescription7. For instance, factors such as the has a work to rest ratio of ~1:1-1.3). This taxes
without any rules restricting the players’ style of play of the team in addition to the players aerobically and anaerobically whilst
space during the task.6 Some games adhere position of each player can be accounted for. involving the ball, so is ideal preparation before
to the principle of ‘positional play’ whereby These are important pieces of the jigsaw in a return to team training (complementing
players collectively work with a high tempo order to prepare training tasks so players can drills emphasizing other qualities)12. Liverpool
to pass the ball to each other in close spaces perform effectively. Using this approach, some FC Academy fitness/conditioning staff use an
to draw in pressing players so they can pass of FC Barcelona’s conditioning has a distinct appropriate blend of science gathered from
to a wide open player to exploit space (e.g. positional element to it (e.g. position-specific match analysis and the art of coaching to
Paco Seirul•lo methodology). Although these and/or positional play). design position specific speed endurance drills.
drills are certainly not position specific they Match analysis demonstrates the number
require selected roles to position themselves 2. Positional Approaches to End Stage of high intensity efforts (>21 km.h-1) during
intelligently (e.g. fullbacks are wide and can Rehabilitation: Using an Example from games is greatest for wide midfielders (n=39)
move up and down the line while central Liverpool Football Club Academy and lowest for centre backs (n=20), with
players can move between the lines in highly Throughout the rehabilitation process, elite fullbacks (n=31), central midfielders (n=29) and
dense middle areas) and the team works players are exposed to various conditioning centre forwards (n=34) falling somewhere in-
dynamically and collectively in synergy. These methods to enable a return to training between9. Contextualised match data provides
positional play games do place different and games8. Once players enter end stage insight into purposeful efforts in and out of
physical demands on selected roles. For rehabilitation and are medically cleared to possession and not just ‘blind’ distances and
example, using ‘joker’ players (also known as perform maximal running and changes of frequencies9. For example, in possession, centre
‘floating’ players) encourages ball retention direction, there is a need to prescribe drills forwards perform more efforts in the offensive
and generates numerical superiority for the based on the demands of training. Such third, whilst driving through the middle,
team in possession.6 Thus, ‘joker’ players only drills not only prepare players for the physical running in behind, and breaking into the box.
experience an offensive role, in possession, demands of training but also the unique Whilst fullbacks and wide midfielders produced
thus this can be tailored towards distinct movements, skills and tactical actions required more efforts running the channel with fullbacks
players. The physical demands placed on the for their distinct position9. Players continue completing a greater number of overlapping
‘joker’ players in Figure 3 are lower than that developing their aerobic fitness during end runs9. They also perform more crosses after
imposed on others in the game (particularly stage rehabilitation, therefore position specific these runs than other positions due to efforts
for 8v8+3 versus 4v4+3 formats)6. GPS data drills can supplement on-going endurance finishing in wide attacking areas. Out of
highlights the demands on ‘joker’ players vs training. In addition to providing a training possession, positions with a major defensive
others for total distance (TD), the number of stimulus, position specific drills that include role in the team like centre backs, fullbacks
intense accelerations/decelerations (>3m.s- sprinting, jumping, kicking and changing and central midfielders produce more intense
2
; ACC/DEC) and average metabolic power direction also place extra demands on the efforts covering space or team-mates and
(AMP). These drills use a work to rest ratio of neuromuscular system ensuring players are recovery running, whilst all positions perform
2:1, whereby players produced 4 repetitions robust and able to cope with training10. frequent efforts closing down the opposition9.
of 180 seconds with 90 seconds recovery. Thus, these patterns were translated into
In 4v4+3: TD: 78 vs 69 m·min-1; ACC: 5 vs 4 Position Specific Speed Endurance Drills: isolated position specific conditioning drills
n·min-1: DEC: 5 vs 4 n·min-1 and AMP: 8 vs 7 Individual End Stage Rehabilitation for players during end-stage rehabilitation. An
W·kg-1. In 8v8+3: TD: 106 vs 77 m·min-1; ACC: Drills using intervals enable practitioners to example for a wide midfielder and fullback can
4 vs 3 n·min-1: DEC: 4 v 3 n·min-1 and AMP: target certain physical qualities to ensure be seen in Figures 4A-B,

www.fmpa.co.uk 33
 feature

Figure 4. (A) End Stage Rehabilitation Drill for a Wide

Midfielder. (1) play bounce pass with coach A and A
make a run down the channel. (2) receive pass from
coach A, run with the ball, perform a trick in front of
mannequin. (3) execute in-swinging cross into mini
goal, then perform recovery run. (4) receive another
pass from coach A, perform a trick and run with the
ball driving inside the pitch before passing the ball
wide to coach B. (5) break into the box to receive
a cross from coach B and finish into mini goal. (6)
perform recovery run back to original start position on
half way line. Please note: players are given freedom
for some decision making while the coach will vary
the type of pass and cross e.g. players have option to
perform trick and beat mannequin during phase (2)
to perform out-swinging cross into mini goal.(12) (B).
End Stage Rehabilitation Drill for a Fullback. (1) Coach
and FB play a one-two on either side of mannequin,
moving FB side-to-side. (2) Coach plays ball down the
inside for the FB to recover, FB sprints to recover the
ball, turns and passes to coach inside the pitch. (3)
FB overlaps coach around pole and receives pass in
final third. (4) FB runs with ball and dribbles through
mannequins. (5) FB delivers cross into mini goal. (6). B
Recovery run to the halfway line. Please note: players
are given freedom for some decision making while
the coach will vary the type of pass e.g. players have
option to play off bounce board during phase (4)
and cut back to play in swinging cross during phase
(5).12 Individual player traits in terms of movements,
tactical/technical events in training/games can
also be added to conditioning drills for ecological
validity purposes. Given the complexity involved in
returning a player to training after injury, this drill is
only one example from the players detailed end-stage
rehabilitation plan

with some movements adapted to the teams average and peak heart rate response of ~85 Summary
tactical requirements for each position. GPS and 91% of maximal heart rate and produced Elite football training requires a blend of
data captured during a speed endurance blood lactate concentrations following the science and the art of coaching to design
maintenance session (work to rest ratio of final repetition of >14 mmol∙L-1. This format appropriate team and individual drills7.
1:2) completed by Liverpool FC Academy can also be useful for ‘top up’ sessions when The approaches presented (position-
players returning from injury revealed that players are not getting game time or working specific and/or positional play) illustrate
for selected speed thresholds (>14.4 and multiple positions in unison to add a dynamic that context really does matter when
>19.8 km.h-1) wide midfielders (120 & 56 m) scenario. The conditioning coach not only implementing personalized conditioning
and fullbacks (104 & 60 m) covered greater prepares players for the demands necessary practices. It might be advantageous to
distances per repetition across these drills for training but also familiarizes them with supplement training with a stimulus
than centre backs (68 & 16 m), central ball striking, discrete positional movements, related to a players’ tactical role in the
midfielders (93 & 28 m) and centre forwards orientation of space on the pitch, whilst team and even elements of the club’s
(80 & 30 m), which is consistent with providing a reactive stimulus so players are playing style/energetic profile. It’s
match trends13. Furthermore, centre backs exposed to uncontrolled movements when important to stress that there are many
and forwards covered the lowest overall training with additional players. Elite clubs effective ways to accomplish this type
distance per repetition (215 & 233 m.min-1, should use their analysis department to of work and we have only provided a
respectively) but performed greater total study player movements to create bespoke few examples for the interested reader
accelerations and decelerations (n=14 & 15) drills that are not only position specific but (e.g. many approaches can be used that
than full backs (n=11) and wide midfielders ideally individual specific (moving away from are specific to the methodological and
(n=9) though similar to central midfielders ‘blind’ distances/frequencies). This may cultural aspects of each club). Ideally,
(n=13). High intensity accelerations and enable practitioners to identify movement future work would use integrated match
decelerations were more frequent for full dysfunction and improve mechanics such analysis systems to detail football specific
backs (n=6), centre backs (n=6) and forwards as turning off a particular shoulder or body context when providing conditioning
(n=4) than central midfielders (n=3) and position when decelerating to press an guidelines.7,9,12,14,15.
wide midfielders (n=3)12. This also elicited an opponent.

34 [email protected]
 football medicine & performance

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