How to exploit a pattern

A recent opposition report shows how teams adapt and adapt again.

One of my most recent reports turned out to be one of the most interesting.

It was on Brentwood Town, who led the Isthmian Premier Division for much of the early season before their form began to dip. Although they’re still in a playoff spot with six games to go.

They looked to me to be a good side and well organised. That can sound like a generic comment, but the difference between organised and disorganised can be huge.

You see it in a lot of ways. But in Brentwood’s case, they looked like they knew what they wanted to do with the ball and what to do when they didn’t have it. And when they lost it, they were quick to either press or recover their shape.

I thought this was pretty good.

Solid man-to-man marking

What was interesting though, was their marking. Man-to-man across the pitch, which itself requires good organisation.

The clips made it clear, and Brentwood looked like they were coached to follow their man.

Their center back Ethan Kaiser especially, who must rank as one of the best defenders in the league. His ability to read opponents and step up stood out to me. But the whole team followed that example, making passing difficult for opponents.

I watched parts of three of their most recent games. The marking was clear in each of them. But against Lewes, I noticed a flaw in an otherwise solid system…

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