A Smarter Way to Kick Off Than Copying Rugby
Paris Saint Germain made this tactic famous, and since then clubs across the world have copied it. The approach is simple. Launch the ball long at kick off and force it out for a throw in. The goal is to gain territory quickly and push play into the opposition half.
However, there is a better and more intelligent way to achieve the same objective.
At Keep It On The Deck, we have analysed matches all season and noticed a different approach used by several teams, most notably FC Porto. Their method still focuses on gaining territory, but crucially they do it while keeping possession of the ball.
Instead of giving the ball away, FC Porto build forward from the first touch, using structured movement and short passing patterns to progress up the pitch. This allows them to control the tempo immediately and apply pressure without surrendering possession.
Below is a tactical camera view of this routine, a strategy they have used consistently throughout the season.
To understand these patterns in more detail, the full tactical camera footage is available inside the Keep It On The Deck Coaching Hub.
Our platform gives coaches and players access to real game scenarios from a tactical camera view, making it easier to study team shape, movement, and decision making from a true coaching perspective.
If you are looking to improve your understanding of modern tactics and develop a more effective approach to the game, the Keep It On The Deck Coaching Hub is built for you.
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