THOMAS FRANK, POSITIONAL COMBINATION AND ATTACK 5X5 DEFENSE

🧠 1. Exercise description

A comprehensive tactical exercise that seeks to establish automatic offensive moves from the goalkeeper , based on the structure of the team's playing system (default 1-4-3-3) . It also allows for training in coordination between lines and simulating real-life confrontations between the team's offensive and defensive structures , adapting to the team's own playing style.

🧩 2. Organization and development

🔹 Part 1: Combinative actions from the goalkeeper

• Structured ball exits from the goal are simulated, in round format by both profiles (left and right) .

• The team works with a line of 4 defenders, a defensive pivot and three offensive midfielders + wingers + forward .

• Automations such as:

  • Exit with open sides and staggered centers.

  • Reception of the pivot to rotate or filter.

  • Active participation of the goalkeeper according to the model.

🔹 Part 2: Central Zone Showdown (5x5)

• After completing both exit sequences, a 5-on-5 match takes place in the center strip of the field.

  • Defensive team : the 4 defenders + 1 pivot.

  • Offensive team : 2 attacking midfielders + 2 wingers + 1 center forward.

• This confrontation puts into practice tactical organization , play between the lines , running away from the finishing zone and containment in the medium or low block .

🎯 4. Tips or main aspects

• 📐 Structural coherence at the exit : respect distances, width and height.

• 🧠 Decision making based on the game model : choose to filter, fix, or toggle.

• 🔄 Organized transition between combinative phase and real confrontation .

• 🗣️ Communication and coordination along the lines , especially between the pivot and the defense.

🔄 3. Variants

• 🔁 Adapt the base system (e.g. 1-4-2-3-1, 1-3-5-2) according to the game model.

• 🔄 Include goal or scoring zones after the 5×5 phase to add an objective.

• ⚙️ Limit the time or number of touches to speed up circulation.

• 🔁 Incorporate offensive wildcards to facilitate connections in intermediate sectors.