No matter what formation you choose to play, Team Shape is a vital component to how successful your team will play on the weekend. In this article we will look at various options for the 8 vs. 8 system of play. The transition from 6 vs. 6 to 8 vs. 8 will introduce a “third line” to the game. Now instead of observing a game that has attackers and defenders, we’ll now see the beginning of midfield play which will connect the attacking and defending lines. The 8 vs. 8 game will mirror the 11 vs.11 in both team shape and rules of the game. Players will begin to understand the concept of “team shape” and have the technical ability to apply certain tactical concepts (overlaps, up back and through, etc.) a coach may want to implement.
Remember there is no correct system of play! All systems have their strengths and weaknesses, but a good coach will choose a system that will maximize his/her teams’ strength and minimize its’ weaknesses.
Download the exercises: 8 vs. 8 Team Shape Considerations
