The document outlines the defensive principles and objectives of FC Porto. Their primary objective is to pressure and limit the opposing team in order to provoke errors and regain possession of the ball. This is done through collective defensive organization by closing down space both laterally and vertically. Players are positioned both near and far from the ball. The team aims to direct opponents to play in desired corridors and apply pressure collectively at opportune moments to force turnovers. Pressure is applied in different zones from low to high on the field through sectoral and inter-sectoral defensive organization.

1. Defensive
Organization
F.C. Porto

2. Principle: Pressuring zone
General Objective:
•
Limit, steer & pressure the opposing team with the
aim of provoking an error & win possession of the
ball

3. Principle: Pressuring zone
Important General Behaviors
1. Defensive positional organization
2. Direct/steer the opponent
3. Pressure the opponent

4. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
1. Organize - collective defensive positional
organization
•
closing down of spaces - closing of lines, as
much in width as in depth

5. Principle: Pressuring zone
Close down spaces - width & depth

6. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
1. Organize - collective defensive positional
organization
•
Closing down of spaces - closing of lines, as
much in width as in depth
•
Positional play - occupation of spaces near &
away from the ball (coverage near & far from
ball)

16. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
1. Organize - collective defensive positional
organization
•
Closing down of spaces - closing of lines, as
much in width as in depth
•
Positional play - occupation of spaces near &
away from the ball (coverage near & far from
ball)

17. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
2. Direct the Opponent:
•
Direct the opponent to play where we want,
either outside corridors or central corridor
3. Pressure the Opponent
•
Pressure the opponent collectively, to force an
error & win the ball

18. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
Moments of Pressure:
•
Well-positioned team - lateral corridors or central corridor
•
Ball inside the team
•
Bad passes
•
Aerial passes
•
Opponents facing backwards without support
•
Bad control

19. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
Pressure Zones:
•
Low block

21. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
Pressure Zones:
•
Low block
•
Intermediate block

23. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
Pressure Zones:
•
Low block
•
Intermediate block
•
High block

25. Principle: Pressuring zone
Partial Objectives
Pressure Zones:
•
Low block
•
Intermediate block
•
High block

26. Principle: Pressuring zone
Important Partial Behaviors
Defensive Sectorial Organization:
•
Defensive Sector - Defense
•
Intermediate Sector - Midfield
•
Offensive Sector - Attack

27. Principle: Pressuring zone
Important Partial Behaviors
Inter-Sectorial Defensive Organization:
•
Defensive/Midfield Sectors
•
Midfield/Attack Sectors