Simeone Soccer Tutor

TACTICAL
SITUATION 13
How the Centre Backs Defend the

Forwards' Movements (Rear Block)
The content in this section is from analysis of Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid teams
during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.
The analysis is based on recurring patterns of play observed within the Atlético Madrid team. Once
the same phase of play occurred several times (at least 10), the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The
analysis on the following pages are examples of the team’s tactics being used effectively.
Each action, pass, individual movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player
on the pitch including their body shape, are presented.
The analysis is then used to create a session to coach this specific tactical situation.
186
©SOCCERTUTOR.COM DIEGO SIMEONE'S DEFENDING TACTICS
Tactical Situation 13 - How the Centre Backs Defend the Forwards' Movements (Rear Block)
Defending the "Crucial Central Area" when the Opposition Play a

Through Pass
However, during a 90 minute match, there will The distance between the centre backs and the
be situations when successful through passes are most advanced central midfielder Gabi (14) is
played into the Crucial Central Area. A player divided into 2 equal 6 yard areas.
receiving a pass unmarked and turning within
this area can cause problems to any team and The yellow area is the Atlético midfield's zone
Atlético Madrid's defending tactics focus on of responsibility. The opposing forwards or
preventing this. whoever enters it should be closed down
by Atlético midfielders. The white area is the
The distance between the 2 lines should be no Atlético defence's zone of responsibility. The
more than 12 yards, so opponents between the opposing forwards or whoever enters it should
lines can be more easily controlled. be closed down by Atlético defenders.
This space is further restricted by the central NOTE: During a competitive match, these
midfielder on the weak side Saúl (8) dropping boundaries can be altered by 1-2 yards.
back. This also enables him to apply double
marking easier and fill potential gaps in the
defensive line.
188
Solution 1: Opposing Forward Drops Back and the Centre Back

Moves Forward into a Balanced Position
NOTE: When an opposing forward who is tactical situation, then react accordingly. In this
positioned between the lines of the rear block is situation, Godín (2) steps forward only 2-3 yards
unable to receive a through pass, there is no need in order to control the forward. This way, he
for the centre backs to move forward to follow him avoids creating space behind him which white
if he drops back. No.10 can exploit.
However, when there is an available passing lane A very important element in this situation is
towards the forward, the centre backs need to the deeper positioning of the Atlético central
act. midfielder on the weak side Saúl (8), as he is the
player who controls the space between the lines
In this example, the white central midfielder No.8 and provides support to the defenders.
receives and turns. It is highly likely that he will
be able to make a forward pass through the wide
available passing lane (yellow highlighted area).
The white forward No.9 moves to receive and

the closest centre back Godín (2) has to read the
189
ASSESSMENT
In the diagram on the previous page, Atlético are playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation
and it is the attacking midfielder (white No.10) who moves to exploit the potential free
space behind the centre back. The same situation can take place against the 4-3-3 and
the 4-4-2, where it might be the second forward.
Solution 2: Opposing Forward Drops Back and the Centre Back

Presses Him while Team-mates Provide Cover
As soon as the pass is played towards the white The weak side central midfielder Saúl (8) moves
forward No.9, the centre back Godín (2) moves to apply double marking and stop No.9 turning
to put press him and prevent the turn. towards the centre, as well as block the potential
pass to white No.10. So, No.9 only has one
At the same time, the left back F.Luis (3) and option, which is to move towards the outside
the other centre back Giménez (24) create a where there is less danger and it is easier to
defensive triangle to provide support and cover. defend.
190
SESSION (2 PRACTICES)
FOR "HOW THE CENTRE
BACKS DEFEND THE
FORWARDS' MOVEMENTS
(REAR BLOCK)"
193
SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (2 PRACTICES)

1. The Centre Backs Defend the Forwards' Movements in
a Structured Functional Practice
Description y The respective red centre back (No.2 in

y There are 2 areas that are the width of the box diagram) has to read the tactical situation to
and 6 yards long, which help the centre backs react accordingly and the reds try to prevent
read the positioning of the forwards. the whites from scoring.
y The 4 white defenders pass the ball between y Please see the analysis pages for how the red
each other, while the red players shift centre back and other players should react.
according to the ball position. y The key points are whether the first white
y As soon as the ball is passed to the central forward is high or deep and if the second
midfielder (No.8 in diagram), a through pass forward is close enough to exploit space in
can be played. behind the red centre back or not.
y The white forward on the strong side (No.9) Restriction: The red midfielders do not block
moves to receive either in an advanced the through pass to the white forward.
position (within the white area) or in a deep
position (yellow area).
194

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TACTICAL

How the Centre Backs Defend the

Defending the "Crucial Central Area" when the Opposition Play a

Solution 1: Opposing Forward Drops Back and the Centre Back

The white forward No.9 moves to receive and

Solution 2: Opposing Forward Drops Back and the Centre Back

SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (2 PRACTICES)

Description y The respective red centre back (No.2 in

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