DEFENSIVE 

Focus: More flexibility, forcing ball recoveries, adapting to the situation.

3 Variants:

• Center-Sealing Variant

• W-/M-System

• Variable Forechecking

• Core Concept:

• The idea is to deliberately guide the opponent into open half-spaces.

• Wingers defend more centrally, intentionally leaving the pass along the boards open.

• Goal: Win the ball in defined zones through well-prepared defensive duels. 

Advantages:

• Opponents are steered into controllable areas.

• Enables the creation of ball-winning zones.

• Flexible implementation: can be adjusted based on lines, opponents, or even dynamically during the game.

Application:
Particularly effective when:

• The team has strong one-on-one defenders.

• Opponents tend to play dangerously through the middle.

• Used in combination with 1-2-2-like formations.

Core Idea:
Staggered positioning of the wingers:

• The right winger closes off the side.

• The left winger closes off the middle.
  Objective: Deliberately guide the opponent to one specific side.
  
  

Characteristics:

• The left defender positions higher up to apply quick pressure.

• The center provides support on the far side of the ball.

• Ball recovery target: wide zones, with the option to double-team in the corners.
  
  

Variants:

• Active double-teaming in the corners as a ball recovery strategy.

• Defensive version: Only 1-on-1 situations, without actively forcing turnovers
  
  

Effective against teams with three attackers up high:

• Clear responsibilities without needing to switch systems.

Core Idea:
Combination of multiple forechecking systems.
Forwards act situationally – making intuitive decisions in 1-on-1 scenarios.
Adaptable to the game situation and opponent behavior.

Advantages:

• High flexibility

• Dynamic switching between 2-1-2, 2-2-1, pressing, or double-teaming

• Players can react more freely and naturally
  
  

Implementation:
Recommended approach:

• Start with a stable base system

• Gradually add elements like steering (channeling) and double-teaming

• Integrate pressing patterns and left-side steering
  
  

Important:

• Defenders must be strong in situational reading and communication

• The center needs freedom and clear decision-making options
  
  

Best suited for:

• Teams with tactically trained and communicative players

• Teams aiming to respond flexibly to different opponents

• System Selection:
  The best system is the one that fits the team and, ideally, the coaching staff as well.

• Training:
  It’s not about what system you choose, but how you train it — the system must be practiced intensively and with attention to detail.

• Recommendation:
  Start with a stable base system and gradually build in variability step by step.

• Long-Term Goal:
  Develop a combination of different forechecking variants to maximize success and adaptability in pressing situations.