On the training ground with Roger Schmidt: Part 5

In elite football, the best coaches don’t just have a philosophy — they have a method for transmitting it. This series offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the training ground of Roger Schmidt, one of the most distinctive tactical minds in the modern game.

Part 5 marks the culmination of the series and offers a unique look into how Roger Schmidt uses subtle constraints within a full 11v11 game to instil the core principles of his playing philosophy. This final activity brings everything together in a realistic match setting, designed to raise the quality of play and reinforce key behaviours without lengthy explanations.

According to Schmidt, this approach is particularly effective when taking over a new team. Rather than detailing every tactical nuance, he allows the game itself to teach the players. Through two simple rules, the session encourages a style of play that reflects Schmidt’s core principles.

Setup and Structure

The session is built around a standard 11v11 game, played box-to-box with all official rules in place — offside, throw-ins, corner kicks, and so on. Both teams are set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, mirroring the tactical structure Schmidt often prefers.

Team setup

(1/3) This graphic shows the setup of the game, including formation and field dimensions.

Rule 1

(2/3) If a team scores a goal while all players are in the opponent’s half, they are awarded an additional penalty kick.

Rule 2

(3/3) When a player passes backwards in their own half, the receiving player must play the next pass forward.

Compactness Incentive

Rule 1
If a team scores a goal while all players are in the opponent’s half, they are awarded an additional penalty kick.

Tactical rationale
This rule encourages team compactness in possession. By staying close together, the team is better positioned to counter-press immediately after losing the ball. This compact shape increases the likelihood of regaining possession quickly and creates more attacking opportunities.

(1/6) Blue initiates a dynamic attack, breaking into the opponent’s half. The entire team pushes up to stay compact.

(2/6) As the attacker prepares to cross from the right flank, all Blue players are positioned in the opponent’s half, meeting the condition for the bonus penalty.

(3/6) Although Blue has pushed up as a team, the positioning could be refined. Six players crowd the box and three protect the space behind, but a large gap remains between the two groups.

(4/6) The gap between the attacking and supporting lines is highlighted. When the ball is cleared, Blue is briefly exposed to a potential counter-attack.

(5/6) Thanks to the attackers’ recovery runs and the defenders shifting to the ball side, Blue manages to prevent the counter and regain defensive control.

(6/6) Blue re-establishes compactness in the opponent’s half — ready to press, hunt for the ball and create a goalscoring opportunity from winning possession.

“In the game, the team won’t get an extra penalty for staying compact — but they will get control.”

Forward Passing Mandate

Rule 2
When a player passes backwards in their own half, the receiving player must play the next pass forward. Multiple touches are allowed, but the direction must be forward.

Tactical rationale
This constraint promotes a forward-thinking mindset in build-up play. Schmidt wants his teams to avoid passive sequences of backwards passes that lead to stagnation. Instead, players are trained to read the game early, anticipate forward options, and act decisively.

The rule stretches players to be courageous — to choose the more difficult but impactful option. Schmidt notes that players often have the ability to play forward under pressure but lack the confidence. This rule helps unlock that potential.

(1/4) A White midfielder, under pressure in his own half, plays a backwards pass to the centre-back. Under Rule 2, the next action must now be forward.

(2/4) The centre-back initially has a forward pass available, but hesitation allows pressure to close the gap. With the back pass to the goalkeeper not permitted, he must now find another forward solution.

(3/4) Showing composure, the centre-back dribbles sideways into space, creating time to scan for a forward option.

(4/4) Having created a pocket of space, and with Blue pushing up to press, the centre-back fires a vertical pass to the winger, initiating a promising attack.

But it’s not just about development — it’s also tactical. Backwards passes often trigger pressing movements from the opposition. These movements create exploitable spaces:

behind the pressing player (if vertical compactness is lost);
behind the defensive line (if the block pushes up);
on the far side (if wide players collapse centrally).

By attracting pressure and then playing forward, Schmidt’s teams can unlock compact defences and create dynamic attacking sequences.

Series Reflection – Schmidt’s Training Philosophy

Across five parts, we’ve explored how Schmidt uses carefully designed training formats to shape player behaviour, instil tactical principles and build a cohesive playing identity. A clear picture emerges of a methodology that is both intentional and deeply aligned with his footballing philosophy.

Consistent tactical messaging: Every activity serves as a blueprint for Schmidt’s style of play — vertical, intense, and structured. The principles are embedded in the design, not just the instructions.
Forward-thinking and proactive play: Players are trained to take control of the game, whether through vertical progression in possession or defending forward without the ball.
Collective ideas and connectivity: Schmidt places strong emphasis on team cohesion. Players share a common mental model, working together to control space and tempo both in and out of possession.
Intensity with purpose: Sessions are designed to stretch players beyond match demands, requiring high tempo, sharp decision-making, and full concentration.
Managed intensity: Playing time is carefully structured to allow players to operate at maximum intensity without compromising quality or focus.
Competitive environment: Scorekeeping and game-based incentives add urgency and keep players mentally engaged, reinforcing the importance of every action.
Training as a development tool: Schmidt challenges players to be courageous, take responsibility, and use training as a space to grow — not just to rehearse.
Implicit learning through constraints: Rather than overloading players with tactical detail, Schmidt uses smart rules and conditions to shape behaviour naturally and effectively.

Part 5 encapsulates these principles in a full-game format, showing how even subtle adjustments can have a profound impact on team behaviour and performance.