Pep Guardiola's Positional Grid: Team Training Exercises using the Positional Grid
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Pep Guardiola's Positional Grid: Team Training Exercises using the Positional Grid
The positional grid is like a cognitive road map for players when in possession. Depending on where the ball is located, players are responsible to fill a specific a location in the positional grid. The end result is that a team shape or structure will develop in possession, resulting in a positional soccer style of play. However, the game of soccer has unlimited ever changing situations and variables, so there will always be freedom within the provided positional structure to make adaptions. The positional soccer grid divides the training pitch into 20 sections, basically five vertical rows and four cross-field sections. The widest channels are referred to as the low option areas, because there are limited passing opportunities that can made from out wide. The widest areas are utilized often to draw the defense out, moving them from side to side to open up spaced in between the defenders or on the far side. The next space that borders the wide channel is called a “half spaceâ€. The half space is a dangerous area because penetrating balls and shots on goal can be taken from this position. Guardiola often liked his most dangerous players like Robben or Messi to receive the ball in the half spaces. How many goals have we seen those two players create by cutting inside and shooting to the far post! The next space is the large space on top of the 18-yard box, this space is considered the most dangerous area on the soccer field. This large box is so dangerous because more goals are created from this area than anywhere else. However, quick 1-touch play is critical in this area to be effective, with the largest concentration of defenders located in this space. Of course players like Messi are invaluable in areas like this, as they can make the impossible happen, changing the game. The positional grid offers a structure and provides cues for players, letting them know to adjust their position depending in which zone the ball is in, they must know when to fill an empty zone when it has been vacated, or to move into a zone to create superiority of numbers. A general rule of thumb is that no more than three players will be in a horizontal line, and not more than two in a vertical line, this helps give the player on the ball two-three passing options. The entire game can be taught using the grid, from build-up play to the attacking third. When using the grid to teach positional soccer there are many ways to utilize it. One way is to set-up trainings that require players to operate inside the positional grid, adhering to specific conditions, but still allowing a degree tactical freedom while encouraging problem solving. An example of this would be requiring five shorter passes on one side of the field before a long pass can be made, switching the field to the far wide player. The next type of training can use the grid as more of specific road map that must be strictly adhered to. An example of this would be working on playing the ball out of the back. Each player will be assigned a specific part of the grid to be in, as a standard way of operating out of the back is established. The other beneficial aspect of using the positional grid is that it organizes space on the field in a realistic way for players. When players train tactics in specific game realistic spaces, their soccer awareness, tactical sense and soccer IQ benefit. Training in the positional grid helps players better judge distance, space and time in relationship to carrying out the desired tactics. I recommend training with the grid and then removing the grid at the end, so that spatial relationship is further reinforced.
