Introduction to Different Playing Styles
8
minutes
When you simplify Power Soccer down to its most basic form, the objective is to score more goals than your opponent. Club teams around the country and the world use many different strategies to achieve this goal. In this article, we will discuss some of those different styles, draw parallels with similar approaches in able-bodied sports, and explore how you can implement them with your team.
This style emphasizes quick passing and minimizing time spent dribbling the ball. The focus is on utilizing all three forward players in a traditional triangle setup. Typically, this style involves many short passes designed to unbalance the defense and force them to move back and forth across the court. Teams playing this style use give-and-go passing sequences to break through defensive lines. Another trademark of this style is playing at a fast pace to put the defense under pressure. This means taking advantage of quick kick-ins when the defense is out of position.
The primary goal of this style is to get the defense to start shifting laterally, and then your team can exploit openings and create shooting opportunities. This is an exciting style that fosters fast-paced games and dynamic ball movement. In the early 2010s, Barcelona teams featuring Lionel Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi dominated matches using this approach in the able-bodied game.
Organize short scrimmages in which players are only allowed to touch the ball once before another player touches it. This exercise encourages players to think quickly and prioritize passing over dribbling.
In the early days of Power Soccer in the United States, there was no two-on-one rule, leading to a style of play that resembled American football more than soccer. Players primarily dribbled the ball to advance and score. While modern Power Soccer has evolved into a more open and fast-paced game, these early influences have left a legacy of exceptional ball handlers in the U.S.
The principles of "running the ball" in Power Soccer mirror those of American football: maintain possession and minimize risk. Teams employing this strategy often rely on a strong ball handler who dominates possession and looks to pass in the offensive third. These teams also capitalize on set-play opportunities near the goal.
The foundation of counter-attacking soccer is built upon a strong defense. This strategy is designed to withstand pressure from the other team through a cohesive defensive unit utilizing all four players. The counter-attacking strategy allows the opposing team to dominate possession. The team employing this approach then looks for breakaway opportunities, taking advantage of opponents who may be out of position and unable to help their goalie. This strategy is often utilized by underdogs who may not have as much talent on paper but can create upsets of higher-ranked opponents through teamwork.
One of the all-time great underdog stories in sports is when Leicester City won the English Premier League. To illustrate how unprecedented their victory was, Leicester City had 5000/1 odds to hoist the trophy before the season began. They achieved this feat through a counter-attacking style backed by an exceptional defense. During their championship season, Leicester City ranked 18th out of 20 in time of possession and number of passes completed but finished first in blocked crosses and interceptions. This demonstrates that a counter-attacking style paired with a stout defense can be a powerful combination. On a side note, wouldn’t it be awesome if these kinds of advanced stats were available for Power Soccer? A person can dream.
Have three offensive players start from their own goal box and pass their way down to the offensive end. Once they reach the offensive end, a goalie will engage them as soon as the breakaway enters the three-point line.
"Four Up" refers to utilizing the goalie in offensive opportunities. This playing style is high-risk but also high-reward, as it creates scoring opportunities that aren’t possible with just three players on offense. When you play with three offensive players, you have one triangle to work with. By involving the goalie, that triangle transforms into a trapezoid, or, put another way, four different triangles can now be formed. These extra passing lanes stretch the defense and open up more opportunities to move the ball and create scoring chances.
Positional discipline is crucial in this playing style to minimize risk and capitalize on opportunities. The two wingers need to play high and very wide to maximize spacing. The goalie and center position themselves deeper than a typical center, creating even more space. There are many nuances to this style, and it requires a lot of trial and error. Be prepared for your team to concede goals, especially in the early stages of adopting this approach. However, with time and experience, your team will become more comfortable with knowing when to involve all four players and when to adopt a more conservative approach. The England Powerchair team popularized this style of play, and they are just as sound defensively as other top countries.
Set your team up in a trapezoid formation and have them identify the four different triangles available. Practice passing in various patterns around the shape to help players understand the best ways to utilize each passing lane.
Power Soccer allows teams to adopt a variety of playing styles to suit their strengths. Whether it’s the fast-paced precision of Tiki-Taka, the control of “running the ball,” the opportunistic counter-attacking, or the risk/reward of “Four Up,” each style brings unique challenges and rewards. By exploring these approaches, teams can gain inspiration and insight into how to evolve their game and adapt to different opponents. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to discovering what works best for your team. Don’t be afraid to innovate and develop your own playing style!