On the training ground with Roger Schmidt: Part 2

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 how Roger Schmidt, one of the game’s most distinctive tactical minds, brings his bold, vertical and aggressive style to life on the training ground.

In Part 1, we introduced a high-tempo, possession-based drill that primes players physically, mentally and tactically for the demands of Schmidt’s football. Now, in Part 2, we build on that foundation with a second tactical activation exercise — one that retains the same core principles but adds more complexity and realism.

The setup

This variation involves three teams of six players and two neutral players, spread across three zones. Each round begins with one team in each zone, and the middle team serving as defenders. Just like in the first version, teams can score in two ways:

By completing 10 passes and switching play successfully, rewarding structured possession and vertical progression.
By winning the ball and transitioning it quickly to the opposite zone, reinforcing the idea that defending is a launchpad for attack.

(1/4) The coach starts play by passing to one of the outside teams. That team, along with one neutral player, attempts to complete 10 passes under pressure from three defenders entering from the middle zone, creating a 7v3 scenario.

(2/4) If successful, the attacking team tries to switch play to the opposite outside zone, where the third team is waiting. The remaining three defenders in the middle zone attempt to intercept the switch.

(3/4) If the defenders win the ball, they can score by immediately transferring it to the far side. The team that lost possession can counter-press to prevent the switch and try to regain control.

(4/4) If the ball goes out of bounds, the coach plays a new ball. The team that lost possession becomes the new defending team in the opposite outside zone.

Added Complexity

Like the first activity, this is more than just a warm-up. It is a tactical activation — a focused, high-intensity drill designed to instil the core behaviours that define Schmidt’s playing identity:

Forward-thinking play: Players are encouraged to find vertical passes and move the ball with intent.
Quick transitions: The drill is built on rapid changes of possession, teaching players to switch mindsets instantly.
High-intensity defending: Defenders apply immediate pressure, mirroring the aggressive pressing seen in Schmidt’s teams.
Purposeful ball recoveries: Rewarding defensive actions that lead to attacking opportunities.

Compared to Part 1, this version adds greater complexity both in and out of possession due to the larger number of players and more structured team shapes.

In Possession: A More Realistic Build-up Scenario

The attacking team now consists of seven players (six, plus one neutral), requiring greater structure and more strategic ball movement. This setup begins to resemble real match situations, especially during the build-up phase, with a back four and three central players. A central figure in this structure is the neutral player, who acts as a pivot.

Their responsibilities include:

Retaining possession under pressure
Facilitating ball circulation
Initiating vertical progression

To perform effectively, the neutral player must:

Constantly adjust their position to remain available
Scan the field to anticipate pressure
Decide when to turn, switch, or recycle the ball

This role supports two key strategies that mirror how teams break down a press in real matches:

1. Switching play to escape pressure

When pressure builds on one side, the neutral player provides a central outlet, allowing the attackers to either break the press with forward progression or relieve pressure by recycling the ball to the opposite side.

2. Attracting pressure to create space

In other situations, the neutral player draws in defenders before releasing the ball. This pulls the press inward and creates space on the flanks, which can then be exploited through quick circulation.

Out of Possession: More Synchronised Pressure

The pressing team now defends with three players instead of two, demanding greater coordination, communication, and clarity of roles. Though outnumbered, the defenders can be highly effective if they “hunt in a pack”, isolating the ball carrier, cutting off passing options, and pressing in unison.

To succeed, the pressing trio must:

Defend as a compact triangle, shifting as the ball moves
Stay 5–8 metres apart to support one another and cover lanes
Isolate the ball carrier, prevent switches, and force turnovers

This mirrors the demands of the game, where pressing as a unit is essential to sustain pressure and win the ball high up the pitch. Each defender has a specific role within the triangle:

First Defender (The Presser / Ball Hunter)

Role: Apply immediate pressure on the player in possession
Objective: Close space quickly to force errors or win the ball
Key actions: Anticipate and engage as the ball is travelling

Second Defender (Cover / Interceptor)

Role: Support the presser by covering nearby passing lanes
Objective: Intercept passes or double-press if the ball becomes loose
Key actions: Stay compact to deny space between the lines

Third Defender (Balancer / Organiser)

Role: Maintain structure, provide cover, and balance the triangle
Objective: Anticipate switches or long passes
Key actions: Scan constantly and be ready to step in if the ball is switched

These roles rotate continuously as the ball moves, emphasising the importance of communication, anticipation and coordinated movement, which are all hallmarks of Schmidt’s defensive structure.

Stay tuned for more insights into how Roger Schmidt’s training ground becomes the blueprint for his bold, high-octane football.