The 2-3-2 double diamond is an attacking team shape when our team is in possession of the ball. Click the soccer field below to enlarge it.
It’s advantages are:
- It creates a small game (the diamond) within the big game (the entire field). Every player has familiar passing options regardless of their position. In other words, know the basic passing options inside the diamond and a player will be comfortable playing defensive back, midfielder, or striker. Everyone is part of a diamond.
- A successful offense creates open space. The diamond gives you width and depth.
- Changing fields (see glossary – right margin) is easy by moving the ball across the back of each diamond. Each defensive back can quickly see if passing options are available in her diamond. If not, laterally pass the ball to the next defensive back.
- Without a 3rd defensive back used as a sweeper (see glossary), our 2 backs will
need to learn to play real defense forming a “cover line” (see glossary). Also, our goalie becomes a sweeper/keeper coming off the goal line to clear attacking thru balls and to receive back passes from her teammates.
- The diamond shape sets up square pass options. Notice the 4 red cones surrounding the right diamond on the soccer field. Vertical and horizontal passes can be made to these open spaces rather than directly to a teammates’ feet.
- The diamond shape emphasizes connection; that is, as we attack down the field, the 2 defending backs must move in concert with the midfielders and strikers to maintain our diamond shape and back pass options.
The one big disadvantage of the double diamond is that it lacks the safety value of a true sweeper which can cause a lot of defensive breakdowns. However, when the other team has the ball, our wing midfielder furthest from the ball must race back to her own goal to become our 3rd defender on the cover line. Easier said than done.
Summary
The double diamond is an attacking team shape. It’s simple - it works - it's cool.
Note
In additional to the website's glossary, a more detailed explanation of "changing fields" and "cover line" can be found in the right margin under the tactics section.
Also, can anyone see a third diamond created by four of our players?