Introduction
High pressure is very common in modern football, as teams are becoming more proactive and trying to recover the ball as high on the pitch as possible. One way to escape such pressure is by using advanced midfielders and their smart movements to the flanks. In this article, we will explore three key principles that can help your advanced midfielder improve their ability to move to the side and receive the ball in those spaces to surpass the high pressing of the opponent team.
Start the Movement from Inner Spaces
It’s important that the advanced midfielder begins their movements from inner spaces. Coaches should emphasize the importance of timing and position to ensure that the midfielder is not statically fixed in one zone, which makes them an easy target for the opponent’s defense. Instead, the midfielder should dynamically alter their position, creating uncertainty and forcing the opposing holding midfielder to adjust constantly.
Maddison goes from the inner space
In this example, we can see how Maddison (AM) starts his movement from the inner space.
“THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING ADVANCED MIDFIELDERS IN BREAKING A HIGH PRESS LIES IN THEIR ABILITY TO MOVE QUICKLY”
Go Outside to Receive the Ball When Switching Play
When the team is switching the game’s orientation—playing the ball from one side to the other—it presents a perfect opportunity for one of the advanced midfielder to move into an open space on the flank. As the ball moves across the pitch, defenders naturally shift towards it, often leaving spaces on the opposite side. If the team can switch the play quickly, it challenges the opponent’s ability to reposition, allowing the advanced midfielder to find advantageous spaces. Therefore, when our team starts to switch the game’s orientation, one of the advanced midfielders can move to the side of the pitch to receive the ball, especially if the opposing team is closing the spaces inside their block.
Maddison goes to the side during a game orientation switch.
In this action, Maddison starts moving towards the opposite flank as the team switches the ball's orientation.
Move Fast in Order to Get Free Space
The effectiveness of utilizing an advanced midfielder to break a high press lies in their ability to move quickly. Instead of simply jogging into position, moving fast towards the open space can make all the difference. Quick movements force opposing players to react rapidly, causing them to choose whether to stay and allow the ball holder to have time and space with the ball, or to follow their opponent and leave free space behind. This creates opportunities not just for the advanced midfielder but also for other teammates who can exploit this freed space.
Maddison shows a high speed.
As we can see, Maddison (AM) makes his movement at high speed forcing the opposing team to make a fast decision.
Conclusion
One way to surpass the opponent’s high press is by using advanced midfielders effectively. To do this, advanced midfielders need to understand their role in breaking the press. Firstly, it’s important they start the movement from inner spaces. Then, at the moment of switching the game’s orientation, it’s a good opportunity for them to move outside, especially if the defending team is closing gaps inside their block. Lastly, this movement must be fast to either gain time and space for themselves or create free space for other teammates. The example of James Maddison shown in this article illustrates how an understanding of positioning, ball movement, and teammates’ movement can help surpass the opponent’s high pressure.
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