Ultimate Guide to 5-a-Side Tactics

BONUS GUIDE

In fact, we don’t even let children beat us in a friendly kick-about in the back garden. Losing is a mentality. And we never let it set in. Ever! OK, we got a little bit carried away then. Sorry about that. Nonetheless… We’re confident you feel the same way as we do (though perhaps you’re nicer to kids).

So, you fancied a little more, did you? Of course, you did! Yes, we understand that 5-a-side is for primarily for fun. But you take it just as seriously as the full-sized game, don’t you? We don’t blame you, we do too! It doesn’t matter if there are 22 men on the pitch or 10 – we want to win! Every. Single. Game.

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And that’s precisely why you’ve decided to give yourself a competitive edge by grabbing hold of this Bonus Guide; complete with two advanced tactics that those part-timers who read the main guide and stopped there won’t have inside their footballing arsenal. You see, we’ve been dedicated to the 5-a-side game for 20+ years, so we wanted to give you access to the Insider Information we’ve acquired in that time in the hopes that some of that knowledge will help to improve your team. Bonus Tip But first, a bonus tip and a word of advice: We’re confident you take this stuff seriously, so we invite you to pop on your thinking cap with us for a minute, before we delve into the bonus formations.

These tactics that we’re sharing with you are sure to give you the upper-hand against an array of talented but disorganised teams. But we implore you to stay flexible!

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Choosing a base formation that suits your squad is most definitely a good idea. It’s the formation you’ll start most games with. It’s the shape you’ll become most comfortable with and it’s the structure that will carry you to many a 3-point win. But: Learn each of the formations – from this bonus guide and in the main guide – inside and out. Then, practice them thoroughly, so that you can adapt quickly to changes in play and unexpected circumstances. Imagine the scenario… You take a surprise lead against the top-of-the-table team. Holding out for the next three minutes will be tough, especially given your chosen Diamond formation. Your midfield runners are looking out-on-their-feet. Your centre-half is getting increasingly exposed with every second that passes! You’ve got subs, and you think about using one or two, but you’re concerned that they won’t adapt to the pace of the game quickly enough. The disruption is too much of a risk to take. You need to change something. And fast. You’re in a dilemma! What do you do? 4

Well, if you’d read and learned all of this bonus guide, you’d simply switch to the Reverse-Y shape, shut-up-shop, hit them on the counter-attack, and walk away with an unbelievable, totally unexpected 3-points. On the other hand… If you’ve forgotten the shape of Reverse-Y, when it’s effective and what style you should adopt while playing it, then you’re going to concede an equaliser before you can say “We’re top of the Powerleague!” Your heads will drop. Meanwhile, they will feel normal service has resumed.

Before you know it, you’ve conceded another three on-the-bounce, the ref blows his whistle, and you’re sat in the bar, nursing your pint, wondering ‘what the truck just happened! If only you’d remembered your training. Read it. Learn it. Use it. Win it! You have been warned.

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TO PRACTICE YOUR NEWFOUND KNOWLEDGE

Reverse-Y This is an essentially defensive tactic. You deploy a central player – think of him as a defensive-midfielder – and two defenders either side.

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A robust defence is assured as these three outfield players are set-up to protect the goal, limit space and soak up the pressure When possession is won in-play (i.e. via a tackle or interception. Not in the instance of a foul or when the ‘keeper has hold of the ball as the opposition has time to get back into position and recover their shape), you are able to hit the opposition on the counter-attack as the defensive midfielder breaks forward to assist the striker. If the timing of such counter-attacks are chosen correctly, the opposition will have committed most of their men to attack in an attempt to break down your three-man defence, leaving you with a potential two-on-one situation against their sole defender. When to use: Against a stronger opponent, or if you have a tight lead you want to protect. Also effective against an opposition that is using the Y-Shape system Strengths: Defence. Ability to counter-attack if used intelligently Weaknesses: May yield few goals Use against: Opposition of stronger ability or to protect a narrow lead Try with: Sitting deep and counter-attacking Remember: The defensive midfield role is vital. This player should be fast and fit and intelligent. The decision to counter-attack lies solely with him. If he makes an error of judgement, your defence will be left exposed

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The Fifth Man Some food for thought… Just because the pitch is smaller and there are less players on the pitch, doesn’t mean all the rules of basic and effective football should go out the window.

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Keeping the ball in 5-a-side is equally as important as it is in 11-a-side. If you keep the ball, your opponents cannot score – it really is as simple as that. So, how do you maintain possession in the fast-paced, harum-scarum environment of 5-a-side? Use the fifth man. Your ‘keeper isn’t just there to make match-saving dives once or twice a game. The sweeper-keeper has really come to prominence in recent times, with Manuel Neuer one of the best exponents of this tricky trait. And Pep Guardiola simply insists on his ‘keeper being able to use his feet properly and distribute like a deep-lying playmaker – just ask Joe Hart! Using your ‘keeper as though he were a centre-half when you’re in possession, recycling the ball every time a phase of play breaks down, or when the movement ahead of play isn’t quite good enough, is a very progressive tactic. It is risky, too. If your ‘keeper isn’t a competent footballer, capable of controlling difficult, bouncing passes and distributing the ball – with his feet, not his hands – without jeopardising interceptions or placing his teammates under pressure, then it’s a tactic that is best avoided.

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Make no mistake, this is certainly an advanced method of play. When to use: An evenly matched team where space is limited and possession is crucial Strengths: Maximises effectiveness of four outfield players, allowing them to push further up the pitch and receive distribution from the ‘keeper Weaknesses: Puts your ‘keeper under a lot of pressure and such high-risk football can lead to mistakes Use against: Teams close to you in the league or in tight matches to give you an edge Try with: Possession football and incisive passing Remember: An adept ‘keeper is an absolute must. If your ‘keeper is not a competent footballer i.e. you wouldn’t trust him to play as an outfield player, then this high-risk tactic is likely to offer low-rewards.

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Now that you know the basic and advanced 5-a-Side tactics, why not enter a team and go after the glory

of winning a league title with your mates?

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