3 RULES

The division of the field into grids is meant to be used as a reference point to impose positional discipline and movements. Thus, certain rules must be abided by. The first rule is that players are instructed to maintain a maximum of two players at any zone vertically and a maximum of three players at any horizontal line. Ideally, each zone out wide should only have one player occupying them whenever possible. This strict positioning of players ensures that the team creates as much width and length as possible, creating gaps in the opposition defence, and generating as many 1v1 situations across the pitch. As the team pushes up each player occupies a new zone. 

Second rule ignores this rigidness when the purpose is to ensure possession (create triangles), generate overloads, or lure defenders out. Thus, a zone may have more than 2 players if it accomplishes these objectives. However, these movements should only be temporary and once the objective is achieved, players must return to their zones.

The third rule is that the ball should not be played inside the same zone but should be circulated from zone to zone whenever possible. Not following this rule will lead to dispossession so if the zone becomes too congested the ball should be played out of it quickly. Diagonal passes are encouraged when going forward as opposed to vertical passes, such as a pass from the half-space to the middle zone and vice-versa. These rules are only used prior to reaching the final third – upon arriving to the final third the players are allowed to express themselves. Team’s attacking strategy in the final third can be whatever it wants, such as crossing or combination play, but all adherents of positional play look to advance the ball up through superiorities along the lines. Crossing from deep without a clear advantage or long-balls that don’t produce anything are discouraged as it gives away control.

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