Former Bucs Analyst Explains What ‘Transition’ Means

In the latest edition of iDiski Times, former Orlando Pirates analyst Michael Loftman has explained what the buzzword – transition – actually means as he writes for iDiskiTimes in the latest Drawing Board column…

Last week Michael introduced us to basic tactical concepts and terminology, and this week we look at one of the buzzwords of today – ‘transition’.

In part one I shared some information on breaking down the game into in possession, and out of possession to support fans of the game. If you were able to watch football since reading part one, I hope there have been some developments in the analytical discussions taking place around the TV screens across the country. 

In part two, we are going to take our tactical terminology a step further, by discussing the term ‘transition’. Transitions simply refer to the moments where a team moves from being in possession of the ball to being out of possession of the ball. When a team loses possession, the term is called ‘Transition to Defend’. Meaning they are transitioning into a defensive structure to regain the ball and prevent the opponent from scoring. When a team regains the ball, the term is called ‘Transition to Attack’. Meaning they are transitioning into an attacking structure to retain possession and score against the opposition.

Transition moments have become critical in the modern game of football. This is because the typical team structure in possession, is not suitable to use out of possession, and the typical team structure out of possession, is not suitable to use in possession. Let me break this down further. 

When a team has possession of the ball, they will have a structure which has width and depth. Meaning the players are spread out to increase the distance that the opposition has to defend to regain the ball. E.g. full-backs and/or wingers will be wide, attackers will be high, and even central defenders and central midfielders will be spread apart in central areas. This helps keep possession of the ball. However, upon losing possession, those large distances now become a challenge, as they provide lots of opportunities for the opponents to get closer to the goal to create a chance and score. This is a reason why teams who prefer to defend deep and allow the opponents to have possession, often score many of their goals during transition moments. The opponent’s structure is wide open, making it easier to quickly attack and score after regaining the ball. It is a trap, allowing the opponents to have possession, in exchange for leaving themselves vulnerable. Think Liverpool vs Real Madrid in the Champions League Final. Real Madrid with little possession, but exploiting the spaces Liverpool left, when in moments when they regained the ball. 

Transition to Defend:  When a team loses the ball, they have 2 options. The option they select depends on factors such as the club philosophy, the coaching instructions and quality, the time and score of the game, plus many others. Option 1, is to press as soon as the team loses the ball. This is referred to as ‘counter pressing’. Option 2, is to recover into a defensive block, often known as ‘recovery’. Counter pressing encourages aggressive pressing to try and regain the ball and create another attack. Recovering into a block encourages a more passive approach with a focus on protecting the goal to prevent the opponent from scoring. Both have their benefits, risks, and rewards. 

Transition to Attack: When a team regains the ball, they also have 2 options. Just as previously mentioned, the option they select depends on a wide variety of factors. Option 1, is to counterattack. This means to quickly attack the opponent directly after regaining the ball, attempting to create a chance to score in the first 5-15 seconds (on average). Option 2, is to retain safe possession of the ball. This means, instead of attacking the opponents directly, aiming to retain possession and gradually build an attack while allowing the opponents to regroup into their defensive structure.  

These transition moments are critical moments and are frequently discussed by coaches across the world to identify the best solutions. Clubs have won league and continental titles using a number of different approaches. In the PSL, most teams revert to reorganising into a defensive block during transition moments, as it is a far safer option and requires less detail and time on the coaching pitch. However, during transition to attack moments, many teams attempt to use the counterattack to catch the opponent before they return to that defensive structure. 

As a fan, if you can understand the four moments of the game discussed in the series so far, you can now understand what is happening the whole match while the ball is in play. The fifth category to add to the four parts discussed so far is ‘Set Pieces’. A short review of the four moments. In possession – the period where a team has possession of the ball. Out of possession – the period where a team does not have possession of the ball. Transition to Attack – the moment where a team wins the ball. And Transition to Defend – the moment where a team loses the ball. These four moments make up the game of football, alongside Set Pieces.

Can you identify what strategies your team uses when they regain the ball? And can you identify what strategies your team uses when they lose the ball? And what would you like to see executed differently during these transition moments? 

Michael Loftman, born in the UK, is another coach returning to South Africa for the love of the country, and passion for the potential of the players, the clubs, and the league. Michael arrived in South Africa to work as a Technical Director back in 2016. After 18 months, he joined Orlando Pirates as a First Team Analyst, then quickly taking over the reins of the U23 MDC team. After progressing to spend time on the coaching pitch with the first team, Michael moved on to join the City Football Group in Belgium, and then the Egyptian National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers, before returning to South Africa in December 2021. In between every role since 2016, Michael has returned to the place he now calls ‘home’.

Click below to read the FREE digital version of the iDiski Times newspaper, with interviews with Pule Mmodi, who talks on his Kaizer Chiefs links, Brighton Mhlongo, chatting about his business with Oupa Manyisa, Vincent Kobola on Baroka’s mistakes, plus a feature on Pitso Mosimane’s mission to improve SA football and the latest transfer rumours about Sibusiso Vilakazi, Yusuf Maart and Kwame Peprah!