As we learned above, the triangle shape gives the attacking team a passing option right and left (plus back). In addition, it stretches our opponents defense from sideline to sideline. Since soccer is a game of keep away, we want to create maximum dribbling and passing space once we get the ball. Therefore, not only do we want to “widen the field”, but we also want to “stretch it” vertically.
This is accomplished by the diamond attacking shape with a player at the top of the diamond. Shown below (click to enlarge) is a 8v8 game using a 1-2-3-2 tactical formation.
As you can see, there are 3 pre-set diamonds:
- Goalie - Right Back - Left Back - Center Mid
- Right Back - Right Mid - Center Mid - Right Striker
- Left Back - Left Mid - Center Mid - Left Striker
Question - When either the goalie, or wing backs have the ball, what is his/her best passing option?
Answer – The high pass to the top of the diamond because we’ve beat more opponents with a single pass!!! Therefore, when you get possession of the ball, your first option should always be a vertical pass to a teammate or attacking space down the field. This will give our team more scoring opportunities and keep our opponents from compressing their defense around the ball.
Sweeper Keeper - In order to make the triple diamond effective, the goalie should play an active role as a field player (sweeper) in addition to being a net minder.
Video Clip
Shown below is a series of triangle and diamond passes used by the attacking (white) team to maintain ball possession (keep away) while advancing the ball down the field to score.