New season, same old low block and counter attack: Tactical Analysis of Talanta's system in Week One

It is often stated that if it is not broken, there is absolutely no reason to fix it.

A majority of FKF Premier League sides hold low block defensive approaches and springing on the counter attack in very high regard. I mean, why would you not when it consistently works for you and keeps you in the big time.

When a team sets up in a low block, it is often frowned upon, seen as a negative tactic, yet it offers critical solutions when trying to exploit spaces of the possession based teams look to leave in their defensive areas.

The teams set up by defending the width of their penalty area and adopt an aggressive approach, looking to transition into counter attacks at ease.

A good example of how stubborn a low block can be is when facing Talanta FC or when facing Muhoroni Youth Football Club.

These two teams set up with a low block looking to draw the opposition into their own half and then break forward as quickly as possible in an effort to outnumber the opposition in their final third.

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So how exactly do the above teams get to use this tactic or rather scheme of play very well?

When the respective coaches set up, the aspect of play they look to anticipate is what exact moment they want to win the ball back. The set triggers.

Once they are in possession from a forced turnover, the two teams’ first attacking action will be playing the ball long and direct into their wingers, who run into the channels.

To employ this scheme well, one must have very skillful wingers.

A good example is Talanta, which has an embarrassment of fast wingers at their disposal, an aspect of smart recruitment.

Coach Ken Kenyatta has managed to add to his already bustling nest of wingers - Michael Jairo and December Kisakah - the services of former Bidco United danger man Alex Juma, and former Mathare United direct man Baron Oketch.

Talanta look to have their center forward be very physical in aerial duels, coupled up with an engine and directness to consistently make the runs through the center of the pitch.

One coaching point heavily replicated by the perceived low block teams is how they want their first pass.

Teams play the ball forward immediately on regaining possession, and in a split second to enable them to capitalize on the opponent’s disorganization, carving out chances.

The center forward majorly looks to perform a movement like dropping to receive the ball, and hopes to drag the center back with him to create space for a channel run from the wingers.

With our case study being Talanta FC, having lost the services of Brian Yakhama who was exceptional in these short movements, new striker Kevington Machika has been tasked with this role and is taking to it with aplomb.

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His teammates are keen and aware that he will vacate that center forward space and look to occupy those zones.

Another mode of attack is the center forward spinning into the space in behind.

As soon as teams like Talanta play the ball forward, they aim to add numbers in attack, looking to provide options to the center forward with runners from deep that get on the second balls which are pivotal when employing this style of play.

The main reason teams employ this tactic is to not concede, or rather reduce the risk of conceding goals.

Being very resolute defensively is the key.

In the blocks, every player has their set roles. The attention to detail to communicate switches well and concentration to shuffle across as a unit makes or breaks a low block.

The repeated defensive actions are where all the energy is placed.

The central midfield duo, majorly a double pivot, is the hub of this type of defending.

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The two (midfielders) are tasked with shuffling across to prevent the opposition from playing through them and force them wide.

They look to maintain very close distances between themselves to deny any form of central penetration and force the opponents wide where they can use the touchline as the central route.

Talanta have hacked this style as they have very aggressive and combative defenders in Brian Okoth and Ian Omondi, who were joined by youngster Brian Wanyonyi who has exceptional ball playing abilities.

The former Darajani Gogo center back who can even double up as a left back will also aid in the long balls into the channels.

It will be interesting to see how he is incorporated into the squad.