Tag: futbol

“Clearing the ball is not an intellectual defeat, far from it”

“Clearing the ball is not an intellectual defeat, far from it”

Xavi Hernández’s phrase, “Clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat,” resonates with the philosophy of positional football, where control and possession are fundamental pillars. This perspective, applauded in specific contexts such as that of Guardiola’s FC Barcelona, ​​is not necessarily uniformly applicable in modern football. In this complex, dynamic and multifaceted sport, decisions such as clearing the ball can be not only valid, but strategically essential.

Clearing the Ball as an Adaptive Strategy: Redefining the Concept from the Pons Method

The Pons Method, a comprehensive and adaptive methodology, offers a more pragmatic and contextual vision to enrich the debate. Under its principles, clearing is not an “intellectual defeat,” but a technical-tactical tool that must be understood, trained and optimized.

The Context of Clearing in Modern Football
Real football, with its time and space limitations, does not always allow possession to be prioritized. Critical moments such as high pressure from the opponent, numerical inferiorities or immediate risk situations require quick and effective decisions. Clearing, in this sense, becomes a tactical response that prioritizes the safety of the team while it reorganizes.

Within this framework, the Pons Method introduces concepts such as Adaptive Defensive Automation, which establishes dynamic defensive patterns to manage contexts of pressure, integrating clearing as a planned action aimed at regaining control of the game.

Complementing Philosophies: Xavi and the Pons Method
Xavi’s approach and the Pons Method are not mutually exclusive; they can complement each other to build a football richer in tactical nuances. While Xavi prioritizes possession as a tool to dominate the game, the Pons Method highlights the need for adaptability depending on the context. Some key contributions are:

Simulation of Critical Scenarios
Training under extreme pressure allows players to evaluate when to clear, hold or look for intermediate solutions. This approach develops their ability to adapt without losing sight of collective objectives.

Individualized Feedback
Providing players with tools to analyze their decisions, evaluating the implications of each action (such as clearing or building from the back), enriches their tactical intelligence.

Optimizing Play Without Possession
The Pons Method fosters an understanding of clearing as an action that can become a counterattack, prioritizing strategic orientation towards specific areas of the field.

Developing a Youth Tactical Culture
In the formative stages, imposing a single approach can limit creativity and situational understanding. The Pons Method promotes teaching young people multiple tactical solutions so they can make informed decisions based on the demands of the game.

Rethinking Clearing: Strategy, Not Defeat
Rather than labeling it as an “intellectual defeat,” clearing should be considered as a strategic tool within a team’s tactical arsenal. Its effectiveness depends on how and when it is used. In the Pons Method’s view, a targeted, contextual and trained clearance is as valuable as any other technical action.

This rethinking reflects a fundamental truth of modern football: there are no absolutes. Every decision, every pass and every clearance is part of a larger tactical framework that must be evaluated and adapted in real time.


The Pons Method does not seek to replace perspectives like Xavi’s, but rather to complement them from a comprehensive and pragmatic perspective. Its approach emphasizes adaptive intelligence, tactical preparation, and the ability to respond to unique challenges. In modern football, “intellectual defeat” lies not in clearing, but in the inability to evolve, learn, and optimize each available resource.

In this sense, clearing the ball is not the end of an idea; it is, rather, the beginning of a new opportunity to conquer the game.

Clearing in the Context of the Modern Game
Contemporary football is defined by its dynamism and constant decision-making in contexts of uncertainty. In these situations, clearing can:

Reset the Defensive Model
Recover the structure after intense pressure from the opponent. In this sense, the Pons Method introduces patterns such as Defensive Synchronization in Transition, which allows a clearance to not be an end, but the beginning of an effective reorganization.

Generating an Offensive Opportunity
If performed in a targeted manner, a clearance can become a long pass to a strategically positioned teammate, transforming a defensive action into a counterattack.

Reducing Unnecessary Risks
In high-pressure contexts or when the opponent’s technical quality is superior, prioritizing safety can be the best decision. This aligns with the Pons Method’s Dynamic-Complex Adaptability principle, which underlines the importance of responding to the circumstances of the game.

The Importance of Context: Learning to Clear Intelligently
Under the Pons Method approach, clearing is not a mechanical action, but a complex tactical decision. This involves:

Simulating Pressure Scenarios
Training should include situations where clearing is a viable option. This not only prepares players to react, but teaches them to identify when and how to execute this action to maximize its strategic impact.

Adaptive Defensive Automation
Using pre-set patterns, the team can execute clears aimed at safe zones or specific players, reducing improvisation and maximizing effectiveness.

Personalized Feedback to Improve Tactical Decision-Making
Integrating technological tools that allow for analysis of when and how the ball is cleared strengthens individual tactical intelligence. Players not only learn to clear, but to understand the impact of their decision on the development of the game.

Clearing as Part of the Game Model
Clearing is not just a defensive resource; it can be integrated as part of the team’s overall model. Some practical examples include:

Set Piece Strategies
In corner kick or defensive free kick situations, clearing can be the first phase of a well-planned offensive transition. This concept is deeply linked to the Offensive Automation Subprinciple, which seeks to turn every defensive action into an attacking opportunity.

Line Coordination
Clearing is not effective if the team does not know how to position itself afterwards. The Pons Method emphasizes synchronization between the defensive, middle and offensive lines to collectively respond to the second play.

Using the Goalkeeper as a Decision-Making Pillar
In modern football, the goalkeeper plays a key role as a support in pressure situations. Training the goalkeeper to anticipate the need for a clearance or to receive and distribute it accurately reinforces the team’s tactical connection.

Tactical Education in Formative Stages
In youth development, imposing rigid ideas such as “clearing is wrong” limits the creativity and tactical intelligence of players. The Pons Method proposes teaching young people to understand:

When to clear: Identify contexts where safety prevails over possession.
How to clear: Techniques to direct the ball towards less dangerous areas or towards specific teammates.
Why to clear: Understand the strategic and tactical implications of this action. The goal is not to teach how to avoid the clearance, but to execute it with purpose, within a framework of intelligent and adaptive decisions.

Clearing as Part of the Art of Football
Far from being an “intellectual defeat”, the clearance is a manifestation of the player’s ability to respond intelligently to the demands of the game. In modern football, where adaptability and decision-making are essential, the clearance becomes a valid and valuable tactical tool.

Conclusion: Redefining Intellectual Success
The real intellectual defeat is not clearing the ball, but failing to understand its value within the tactical context. The Pons Method invites us to overcome the rigidity of absolute philosophies, promoting a football that celebrates adaptability, intelligence and the integration of modern tools.

Redefining Intellectual Success
The real intellectual defeat is not clearing the ball, but failing to understand its value within the tactical context. The Pons Method invites us to overcome the rigidity of absolute philosophies, promoting a football that celebrates adaptability, intelligence and the integration of modern tools.

Success is not measured by avoiding certain actions, but by the ability to execute them strategically, maximizing individual and collective performance. In the art of football, every action has its place and purpose, even the clearance.

Specific Principles of the Pons Method Related to Clearing
Specific Fragmentation of Modern Training

This principle allows the clearing to be broken down into practical parts that connect phases of the game. For example:

In one exercise, you can train how to clear under pressure towards specific areas.
In another, integrate the clearing into real contexts, such as a low block defense with quick transitions. This ensures that players internalise the value of the clearance, not as an isolated action, but as part of an interconnected tactical system.

Offensive and Defensive Automation
When the clearance is seen as the starting point for an offensive transition, it connects directly to the sub-principles of Football Process Management (FPM). Automating patterns of clearance after the clearance reduces chaos and maximises opportunities to turn a defensive action into a counter-attack.

Applied Neuroscience: Mirror Neurons
Through observing patterns, players can learn to react and make quick decisions about when and how to clear. The Pons Method uses visualisation and simulation to reinforce decision-making in pressure scenarios.

Including Complex Scenarios in Training
Training in extreme situations, such as numerical inferiority or rival pressure in the final minutes, reinforces players’ ability to clear intelligently. This approach ensures that the clearance is not a last-minute resource, but a planned tool within a realistic tactical context.

Clearing as a Key Element in Time and Space Management
In modern football, control of time and space is essential. Clearing, executed correctly, can be a tactical resource that contributes to this control. Here are specific ways it can be integrated into the game model:

Directed and Strategic Clearings
Clearing does not have to be random. It can be directed towards:

Safe Zones: Sending the ball towards areas where the opponent does not have numerical superiority.
Strategic Partners: Identifying a forward or winger who can contest the ball after the clearance.

Connection between Lines
Clearing does not mean that the team gives up possession. Instead, it allows the defensive, middle and offensive lines to quickly reorganize to look for the second play. This aligns with the Progressive and Empathetic Synchronization sub-principle of the Game Model, which emphasizes tactical cohesion after each action.

Intelligent Use of the Goalkeeper
A modern goalkeeper must not only stop shots, but also act as a support option. Training goalkeepers to anticipate and handle clearances improves the team’s ability to maintain possession or control the game after a defensive action.

Beyond Patterns: Tactical Culture and Philosophy
One of the pillars of the Pons Method is the integration of a collective tactical culture. This means that the entire team must understand the value of the clearance within the context of the game model. This collective understanding includes:

Clear Communication in Pressing Situations
Defenders must have clear signals with the goalkeeper and midfielders to coordinate clearances.

Defensive Roles in Second Play
Each player must know his position and function after a clearance. This includes putting pressure on the opponent in the area where the ball falls or retreating quickly.

Strategic Flexibility
Clearing should be a strategic option, not a mandatory action. This implies that players understand when to prioritize possession and when to opt for safety.

Conclusion: An Evolutionary Vision of Football
Clearing, far from being an intellectual defeat, is a tool full of possibilities in modern football. Its intelligent and strategic integration, as proposed by the Pons Method, redefines its perception and turns it into a valuable resource within the game.

The challenge is not to avoid clearing, but to turn it into a conscious, strategic action aligned with the game model. In a football that values ​​adaptive intelligence, clearing stops being an emergency solution and becomes an essential piece of the tactical structure.

As with everything, the key is balance: knowing when to build from the back and when to clear, always with the aim of maximising collective performance and adapting to the unique context of each match.

Clearing as a Pillar of Adaptive Intelligence in Football
Modern football demands a balance between the ability to anticipate and strategic execution. Clearing, often seen as a reactive act, can become a key element of the game model when executed with purpose and collective understanding. Following the principles of the Pons Method, this action evolves from an emergency reaction to a tactical solution that maximises performance.

Tactical Deepening: How to Transform Clearing into a Strategic Tool
Relationship between Defence and Offensive Construction
Instead of considering the clearing as the end of the play, the team must treat it as the beginning of a new phase. This implies:

Orientation of Clearing: Directing the ball towards players or areas that can facilitate an offensive transition.
Intentional Clearances: Identifying predefined movement patterns that connect defenders with midfielders or forwards.
Tactical Automation in Defensive Situations
The Pons Method proposes working on exercises that include:

Clearances in response to lateral crosses, with the intention of starting a counterattack.
Scenarios where the clearing allows the defensive line to be reorganized, establishing superiority in critical areas.
Analysis and Match Review
The incorporation of predictive analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of clearances allows teams to understand when and where they have the greatest impact. For example:

How many clearances end in unnecessary ball losses?

What percentage of clearances allow the team to recover its defensive structure?

The Psychological Factor of Clearance: Control under Pressure

Clearance is not only a tactical tool; it also has psychological implications for players. Knowing that clearing is allowed and may be the best decision in a given context frees players from the pressure of “always doing the right thing” according to idealistic standards. The Pons Method addresses this aspect from multiple perspectives:

Psychological Resilience Training
Preparing players to face pressure situations without losing emotional control. This includes:

Simulation exercises where how to make quick decisions under stress is assessed.
Working with mirror neurons to reinforce confidence in defensive patterns.


Individualized Decision Review
Through individualized feedback, players can analyze their clearances and understand how to optimize their future decisions. This strengthens self-confidence and improves their ability to respond in real time.

Managing Collective Anxiety
Effective clearance can calm the entire team in critical moments. Knowing that there is a clear protocol for handling extreme situations generates mental stability and tactical cohesion.

Clearing and Transition: A Dynamic Element of the Game
Clearing does not have to be purely defensive. If trained properly, it can become a powerful offensive tool. Here are specific ways to integrate it:

Clearing with Offensive Intent

Directing the ball towards a strategically positioned forward to contest a second play.
Looking to exploit empty spaces in areas of the field less populated by the opposition.
Goalkeeper Integration into Clearing
In modern football, the goalkeeper can be a key initiator after a clearance. This requires:

Training the goalkeeper to anticipate the direction of the clearance and to redistribute quickly.
Coordinating offensive movements that maximize the time and space generated by the clearance.


Organized Transitions
Clearing should be part of a predefined transition system. This includes:

Players knowing where to go after a clearance.
Using the clearance to reposition the team into a more favorable structure.
Clearing as Part of the Global Game Model
Under the Pons Method, clearing is not perceived as an isolated resource, but as a component that must be integrated into the collective game model. Some key areas include:

Phase-Fragmented Training
Incorporating clearing into sessions that specifically work on defense-attack and attack-defense transitions.

Optimizing Defensive and Offensive Roles
Each player must understand his role after a clearance, whether it is putting pressure on the opponent or reorganizing to defend the second play.

Technological Incorporation
Using tools such as Big Data analysis to study clearance patterns and their effectiveness in different contexts.

Final Conclusion: Adaptive Intelligence as the Key to Modern Football
The real intellectual defeat lies not in clearing the ball, but in not understanding its value within the tactical and strategic context. Clearing, far from being an act of resignation, is an expression of adaptive intelligence and a reflection of the team’s ability to adjust to the demands of the game.

The Pons Method teaches us that every action, including the most basic one like a clearance, can have a profound impact if it is strategically integrated into the game model. The key is to train, analyze and optimize every detail to build a football that not only responds to the demands of the present, but also prepares players and teams for the future.

That is to say, just understanding the clearance as an intellectual defeat is already a tactical disadvantage in itself, that is, you always play the ball back regardless of the pressure, how the ball comes from, how much numerical superiority you have, the direction of the ball, or the body of the defender at that moment, etc. etc., everything is measured to understand which is the best option and the clearance sometimes has to be carried out, and it will almost always depend on how well the opponent has pressed, oriented, and intimidated the rival team.

Considering the clearance as an absolute “intellectual defeat” not only limits the tactical perspective, but can become a strategic disadvantage in modern football. The game is a complex system, full of variables that constantly change: pressure from the opponent, direction of the ball, body positioning, numerical superiority, context of the match, among others. Ignoring these variables and always opting to play the ball out, regardless of the conditions, is not only a dangerous simplification, but also a wasted opportunity to maximize the team’s strengths or minimize immediate risks.

Clearing as an Informed Decision: Keys from the Pons Method
The Decision is not Absolute, but Contextual

Pressure from the Opponent: If the opponent has pressed effectively, blocking passing lines and directing the attack towards unfavorable areas, clearing can be the best solution to avoid dangerous losses.

Numerical Superiority: If the team is outnumbered, insisting on playing from the back can result in losses that generate goal-scoring situations for the opponent. Clearing here becomes a tool to gain time and reorganize.


Technical and Positional Factors

Orientation of the Ball and the Player: The direction of the ball, its speed and the posture of the defender at the moment of reception directly influence the quality of the exit. If these conditions are not optimal, a strategic clearance into safe areas is a more sensible option.
Available Passing Lanes:

If the opposition has closed off all passing options, attempting to force a clearance may be more risky than clearing.
Clearing as a Reflection of Opponent Effectiveness


A clearance, rather than a weakness, can be a sign that the opposition has pressed correctly, directing and intimidating the ball carrier and his team. This reflects that the opposition has also applied their tactical principles effectively. Recognising this and adapting is a sign of tactical intelligence, not defeat.

Planning Clearing into the Game Pattern Rather than seeing it as an improvised resource, clearing should be integrated into the team’s tactical pattern.

For example:

Clearing to Strategic Forwards: Direct the clearance into areas where a strong aerial forward can contest the ball.

Clearing with Defined Transition: Using the clearing to trigger quick transitions, where the team can attack the spaces left by the opponent’s pressing.

The Opponent’s Pressure and its Impact on the Decision
The clearing, as you indicate, will almost always be conditioned by how well the opponent has pressed and directed the own team. This is a crucial aspect:

Pressing with Judgment
If the opponent manages to make the ball holder only see compromised or impossible passing options, the clearing is not a mistake, but the least damaging option. This is particularly important when:

The opponent forces the team to the wings.
They close off passing options to the midfield or advanced lines.
Psychological Intimidation
Beyond the tactical, an opponent who presses intensely can generate doubts in the ball holder, increasing the probability of errors. In these cases, a well-executed clearance can relieve the pressure and reorganize the team.

Risk Assessment
The Pons Method highlights the importance of understanding risk. If clearing significantly reduces the chances of a goal against, it should be considered the best option in that context. Ignoring this reality in the name of an ideal of possession is tactically unsustainable.

Conclusion: Clearing is not a Defeat, but an Intelligent Decision
Clearing should not be seen as a surrender, but as a perfectly valid and, in many cases, necessary tactical decision. The fundamental thing is that this decision is based on a precise analysis of the context and not on a dogma. As the Pons Method suggests, modern football is built on adaptability and the ability to respond to the specific demands of the game at any given moment.

The rival also plays, and many times their pressure, orientation and ability to intimidate can force the team to make decisions that prioritize safety. The key is to train the team to identify these situations and execute the clearance strategically, with purpose and aligned with the game model. Only in this way, the clearance becomes a tactical tool, far from being a defeat, and much closer to being an adaptive victory.

High Performance Alignment for Oriented Clearing
Oriented clearing should not be an improvised action, but a tactical decision integrated into the game model. To maximise their effectiveness, the team must be organised around clear patterns that enable them to turn a clearance into a strategic advantage. Below is a line-up designed to optimise oriented clearance, based on principles from the Pons Method.

Base System: 4-2-3-1 with Clearance Adaptations

  1. Goalkeeper (GK):
    Role:

    Act as an option to receive cleared balls if they fall deep in their own half.
    Coordinate with centre-backs and full-backs to guide movement after the clearance.
    Anticipate long balls to get out of their area and clear or restart play quickly.
  2. Centre Backs (CBs):
    Role:

Make oriented clearances towards specific areas, avoiding congested areas.
Ensure the clearance is directed towards the flanks or an available midfielder on the second play.
Coordinate with the midfield to reorganise the defensive structure after the clearance.
Positioning:

One of the centre-backs must be ready to win the second play if the clearance returns to the defensive zone.
The other must maintain positional cover, close to the goalkeeper or the most backward full-back.

  1. Full-backs (RB/LB):
    Role:

Offer a wide outlet at the moment of the clearance, opening up towards the wings.
Support in the recovery of cleared balls that fall close to the sidelines.
Quickly retreat if the opponent recovers the ball.
Positioning:

In case of an oriented clearance, position themselves forward on the half-line to collect balls rejected towards the wings.
If the clearance is defensive, make sure to cover the outer areas and reduce the opponent’s options.

  1. Defensive Midfielders (DMs):
    Role:

Act as the main receivers of clearances in the central zone.
Distribute the ball to more advanced players after recovering an oriented clearance.
Anticipate the direction of the clearance and block the opponent’s passing lanes.
Positioning:

One of the central midfielders must move forward into the middle zone to contest the ball.
The other must cover spaces to close down possible transitions by the opponent.

  1. Offensive Midfielders (LM/RM):
    Role:

Receive balls cleared towards the wings and look for quick combinations with the forwards.
Be ready to press if the clearance is recovered by the opponent in high areas.


Offer width to the team in case of quick transitions.
Positioning:

Move slightly ahead of the defensive midfield, occupying the inner corridors or the wings depending on the direction of the clearance.

  1. Attacking Midfielder (CAM):
    Role:

Look to receive balls cleared in intermediate areas, acting as a connector between the defense and the attack.
Generate quick combinations with the forwards after collecting a clearance.
Drop back to block opponent transitions if the ball is not recovered.
Positioning:

In a place where he can contest the second play in central areas.

  1. Centre Forward (CF):
    Role:

Be the main receiver of directed long clearances.
Protect the ball and look to distribute to the midfielders who arrive in support.
Press the opponent if he recovers the clearance in high areas.
Positioning:

Move towards the side of the field where the clearance is directed to offer a passing option in the second play.
Position himself in areas where he can attract the opponent’s pressure and free up space for his teammates.
Directed Clearing: Tactical Sequence
Risk Identification:

If the opponent presses intensely and closes passing lines, the centre back or full-back will clear towards the outer areas of the field or towards a strategically positioned forward.
Execution of the Clearance:

The clearance must be precise, directed towards players on the wings (full-backs or wingers) or towards the centre forward.

Team Reaction:

Defensive Line: Fall back to win the second play.
Midfield: Anticipate the ball falling to dispute possession or block the opponent’s transitions.
Forward: Protect the ball and activate the offensive transition if they receive it.
Organization After the Clearance:

If the clearance is not effective, the team must reorganize into a medium block to close spaces and prevent the opponent from easily progressing.

Advantages of this Lineup
Resource Optimization:
Each player has a clear role in the execution and use of the clearance.

Adaptability: Allows rapid transition between defense and attack.

Risk Reduction: Minimizes losses in dangerous areas by clearing to safe areas.

Efficiency in Transitions: Connects the clearance with planned offensive actions.

This approach combines the pragmatism of the clearance with the tactical structure necessary to make it an effective tool within the game model.

“Clearing the Ball is an Intellectual Defeat”: Claiming Clearing According to the Principles of the Pons Method
The phrase “clearing the ball is an intellectual defeat” presents an idealistic vision that prioritizes possession and control as the pillars of the game. However, under the Pons Method approach, clearing is not an action of defeat, but a strategic decision that can be perfectly integrated into a high-performance model. In this context, clearing takes on a key tactical dimension, based on principles such as adaptability, automation and resource optimization.

Strengthening Clearing from the Principles of the Pons Method
Clearing ceases to be a simple defensive action to become an integral tactical component when applied according to the principles proposed by the Pons Method.

  1. Principle of Offensive and Defensive Automation
    Adaptive Defensive Automation:

    Clearing becomes a pre-programmed and oriented action, directed towards safe areas or key players in high-pressure situations.
    Training defensive patterns that include the clearance as an organized response allows the team to react effectively to dangerous scenarios.

Offensive Automation:
A well-executed clearance can be the start of an offensive transition. This requires training players to read the game and position themselves strategically after the clearance.

  1. Modern Training Specific Fragmentation Principle
    Phase-Fragmented Training:

Clearing can be trained in specific phases, as part of defensive drills, transitions, and set pieces.
Drills that include simulations of extreme pressure help players decide when and how to clear.

Line Segmentation:

Training each team’s line to know how to respond after a clearance, from defensive reorganization to pressing on the second play.

  1. Dynamic-Complex Adaptability Principle
    Real-Time Adjustment:

Clearing is used as a tool to respond immediately to opposing pressure. If the opponent manages to disorganize the team, clearing allows time to be gained and strategic reorganized.
Response to Tactical Changes:

Players must be trained to identify situations in which clearing is the best option, such as numerical inferiority, poor body orientation or absence of passing lanes.

  1. Principle of Dynamic Simulation of Modern Game Patterns
    Simulation of Critical Scenarios:

Training real game situations, such as high pressures from the opponent, allows players to practice strategic clearances.
These simulations must include quick transitions after the clearance, both defensive and offensive.


Involvement of the Technical Staff:

The technical team can work together to create specific patterns that maximize the effectiveness of the clearance as a tactical action. 5. Principle of Predictive Analysis and In-Game Adaptation
Using Data for Anticipation:

Analyzing data on opponent pressing patterns allows you to predict when and where a clearance is most likely to be necessary.
This approach allows you to train your team to take advantage of those situations to your advantage.

Analysis-Based Adaptation:

After a clearance, the team can reorganize based on the opponent’s positioning, maximizing their ability to regain control of the game.

  1. Principle of Tactical Individualization
    Personalized Training:

Each player must learn to execute clearances adapted to their position, skills and role in the team. For example:
Centers must work on long and oriented clearances.
Full-backs must practice clearances towards less congested areas.
Midfielders must anticipate and contest second plays.
Individualized Feedback Analysis:

Evaluating each player’s individual performance after clearances allows them to improve their decision-making and precision on the field.


Clearing as a Strategic Tool in Modern Football
Transition and Organization:

A clearance should not be the end of a play, but the beginning of a strategic transition. When properly planned, it can reorganize the team and avoid unnecessary risks.
Psychological and Emotional Control:

In situations of extreme pressure, a well-executed clearance can be key to maintaining the team’s calm and confidence. Maximizing Performance:

When integrated into a cohesive game model, clearing becomes a tactical tool that maximizes collective performance, prevents losses in critical areas, and facilitates the recovery of control of the game.


Conclusion: Clearing with Purpose, not Desperation
Under the Pons Method approach,
clearing ceases to be a last-resort action and becomes an essential tactical tool. Its integration into the game model, combined with specific training and detailed analysis, transforms this action into a competitive advantage.

Far from being an “intellectual defeat,” clearing the ball can be a sign of tactical intelligence, adaptability, and preparation. In modern football, where every action counts, clearing must be claimed as a vital part of the strategic art of the game.


Clearing as a Strategic Tool in Set-Piece Actions
In modern football, set-piece actions represent critical moments that can decide matches. From corner kicks to free kicks against the opposition, the ability to clear the ball effectively is crucial to minimise danger, reorganise defensively and sometimes initiate offensive transitions. Under the Pons Method approach, clearing in these situations is not just a reactive response, but a planned action that must be strategically integrated into the game model.

Importance of Clearing in Set Pieces
Neutralising Immediate Danger

Set pieces are often designed to create danger in specific areas of the penalty area. An effective clearance cuts off the opponent’s circuit and eliminates the direct threat.


The key is to direct the clearance towards areas where the opponent has less ability to recover the ball and generate a second play.


Defensive Organisation

A clearance not only relieves pressure, but also allows the team to reorganise and close spaces before the opponent tries to regain possession.


This process should be automated in training so that each player knows exactly where to position themselves after a clearance.


Initiating Offensive Transitions

A directed clearance can become the first pass of a counterattack, especially if the ball is directed towards a player in an advanced position and with space to progress.
This requires precise timing between the clearer and the transition players.
Clearing in Different Types of Set Piece Actions

  1. Corner Kicks
    Risks:

The accumulation of players in the box increases the likelihood of rebounds and dangerous second plays.
Weak or poorly directed clearances can quickly return to the box.
Strategic Clearing:

Direction: Towards the wings, away from the central axis of the field, to minimize the opponent’s direct shooting options.


Height and Power: A high, deep clearance reduces the time the opponent has to reorganize and press.
Reorganization After the Clearing:

Midfielders must anticipate the direction of the clearance to block second plays or initiate the offensive transition.
Full-backs must be prepared to put pressure on the receiver of the clearance on the wings.

  1. Side Free Kicks
    Risks:

Crosses from side positions are often directed to key areas of the box where the opponent is looking for aerial duels.
An inaccurate clearance can leave the ball in a dangerous position for a shot from outside the box.


Strategic Clearing:

Priority: Clear away from the box and towards areas where there is less concentration of opponents.
Secondary Objective: Direct the ball towards an advanced player who can protect it and gain yardage for the team.


Team Coordination:

Center backs must cover the path of the ball while midfielders block possible shots in the second play.

  1. Frontal Free Kicks
    Risks:

Rebounds from direct kicks often fall into central areas in front of the box, creating clear opportunities for the opponent.
If the clearance is not solid, the opponent can immediately press to win the ball back in a dangerous position.


Strategic Clearing:

Direction: To the sides, to prevent the ball from returning to the central area.
Power: Ensure the clearance has enough force to clear the danger.
Secondary Positioning:

Players outside the box must be ready to contest the second play and win the ball in intermediate positions.

  1. Opponent Offensive Throw-Ins
    Risks:

Although they appear less dangerous, throw-ins in advanced areas can create chaos if not defended properly.


Opponents look to win second plays with headers or rebounds into finishing areas.

Strategic Clearing:

Priority: Clear the ball to a less congested area, preferably towards the flanks.
Secondary: Look for a clearance directed to an advanced teammate who can challenge for possession.
Keys to Effective Clearing from Set Pieces


Specific Training:

Include exercises that simulate different types of set piece actions, practicing not only the clearance, but also the subsequent movements of the team.


Clear Roles:

Each player must know his role after the clearance: who presses, who retreats and who covers the empty areas.


Communication:

The goalkeeper and the centre-backs must lead the defensive line, ensuring that all players are well positioned to react to the clearance.


Analysis and Adaptation:

Use data analysis to identify patterns of the opponent in set pieces, allowing to anticipate their strategies and plan more effective clearances.

Conclusion: Clearing as Part of the Art of Defending Set Pieces
In set pieces, clearing is a fundamental tool for neutralizing danger, reorganizing the defense, and sometimes generating offensive opportunities. Under the Pons Method approach, this action is elevated to a strategic level, ceasing to be an instinctive reaction to become an essential component of the game model.

In a football where every detail counts, training, planning, and executing set piece-oriented clearances can make the difference between victory and defeat. An effective clearance not only prevents goals, but also reinforces the team’s confidence and consolidates its tactical structure. Ultimately, clearing the ball in these situations is both an art and a science.

The Importance of Set Pieces and Their Natural Antagonist: Clearing


In modern football, set pieces represent one of the most decisive phases of the game. According to recent studies, up to a third of goals in professional competitions come from corners, free kicks, throw-ins and penalties.

This makes these situations a mine of opportunities, both for attacking and defending. However, if set-piece actions are the “creation” of danger, the clearance is its “natural antagonist” and an equally relevant tactical response to neutralize them.

Set-piece Actions: A Pillar of Modern Football
Decisive in the Result:

In a context where the margins are minimal, set-piece actions can change the course of a match. A goal from a free kick or a header after a corner kick can decide a tie or a final.


A Planned Phase of Play:

Both offensively and defensively, set-piece actions are prepared in detail, involving blocking strategies, mixed or zonal marking, and predefined movements that seek to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.
Tactical Evolution:

With the advancement of data analysis and scouting, teams have perfected their set-piece schemes, elevating their importance within the overall game model. This millimetric preparation makes the clearance even more relevant as a tactical response.

Clearing: The Natural and Strategic Antagonist:

If set-piece actions seek to generate danger, the clearance is the key tool to nullify it. Without an effective clearance, the defending team will be constantly under threat. But why should the clearance be considered as important as the action itself?

First Line of Defense:

The clearance is the first step to neutralize a set piece. Without it, the team is exposed to second plays or direct shots, increasing the chances of conceding a goal.

Space Control:

A well-executed clearance can relieve pressure and reorganize the team. It allows defensive positions to be recovered and spaces closed where the opponent could attack again.
Counterattack Generator:

It is not just a defensive action; a strategic clearance can become the starting point for a lethal counterattack, especially if it is directed towards well-positioned players in advanced areas.

Symbiosis between Both Phases:

The effectiveness of a clearance is directly related to the quality of the defensive approach in set pieces. A team well prepared to defend a free kick or a corner kick understands the clearance as an integral part of the play, not as an isolated resource.

Why Clearing is Equally Important

Mirror of the Rival’s Preparation:

Clearing reflects the ability of the rival to execute its strategy.

If a team manages to clear constantly, it is nullifying the effectiveness of the opponent’s set pieces. In this sense, clearing is the direct counterweight to offensive planning.

Risk Minimization:

While set pieces seek to maximize chaos in the rival area, clearing acts to reduce that chaos. It is the resource that ensures that the danger is removed, at least temporarily, allowing the team to reorganize.

A Decisive and Planned Element:

Just as offensive set-piece plays are rehearsed, the clearance must be trained as a planned action.

This includes:
Direction
: Towards safe areas or strategic players.

Coordination: Movements after the clearance to close spaces and block second plays.
Intensity: Executions that reduce the possibility of the opponent recovering the ball in dangerous areas.

Final Reflection: The Balance between Attack and Defense
In football, every action has its antagonist. If set-piece actions are one of the greatest offensive weapons in modern football, the clearance is its direct and equally relevant response. Ignoring the importance of the clearance in these situations would be to unbalance the balance and expose oneself unnecessarily to risk.

The clearance is not only a defensive resource; It is a reflection of a team’s preparation, adaptability and tactical ability. Under the Pons Method approach, it must be understood as an action loaded with intention, planning and purpose. Its effective execution not only eliminates immediate danger, but can also become an offensive tool, initiating rapid transitions that surprise the opponent.

Ultimately, if modern football places so much importance on set pieces, denying the relevance of its natural antagonist, the clearance, would be an unforgivable tactical error. Both concepts, although opposite, are two sides of the same coin and together form part of the strategic art that defines the game at its best.

Clearing as an Example of the Work that Modern Football Demands
Clearing is just one example, but its analysis opens the door to a much deeper reflection: every concept in football, even those that are perceived as secondary or despicable, must be worked on rigorously if we seek to improve the player and the team. Xavi Hernandez’s observation, which criticizes the clearance as an undesirable action in his game model, brings us to a key point: what happens with those aspects of football that do not fit the prevailing philosophy, but are unavoidable in real practice?

In modern football, the key is not to ignore or despise these actions, but to understand, plan and train them as part of an integral process. The clearance, which Xavi despises as an “anti-control” action, becomes a perfect example of the deep work that the Pons Method requires in the development of the player and his connection with the game model.

Comprehensive Work: Beyond the Clearance
The Clearance as an Example of an Undervalued Action

Although the clearance does not fit into FC Barcelona’s absolute possession philosophy, it is an unavoidable action in certain contexts. Ignoring it not only limits the player, but can expose the team at key moments.
This applies not only to the clearance, but to many other actions that, although they are perceived as “old-fashioned” or outside the ideal of the game model, are essential in the real practice of football: aerial duels, defensive transitions in low blocks, long-distance shots, among others.
Key reflection: How do you work on things that do not fit the ideal, but that can make a difference in the performance of the player and the team?
Philosophy Cannot Be Rigidity

The example of Xavi and his rejection of the clearance highlights a common risk: confusing philosophy with rigidity. Football, as a dynamic sport, demands that every concept and action be treated with seriousness and planning, even those that go against the ideal style.


Ignoring or disregarding these actions not only betrays the logic of the game, but also limits the player’s comprehensive development.


Lesson from the Pons Method: Everything that can improve the player, from his decision-making to his technical and tactical ability, must be worked on in training.


Clearing as a Metaphor for Modern Work

Clearing is just one example of how work in training must encompass all actions and concepts of the game, regardless of their frequency or apparent relevance.


This principle extends to other areas:
Decision-making under pressure: What to do in scenarios where possession is not possible?
Individual duels: How to win confrontations when inferior?

Advanced defensive actions: How to cut passing lines or anticipate the opponent’s movements.
How do we work on what we despise?


Identifying the Player’s Needs

Training should not be dictated only by the coach’s philosophy, but also by the real demands of the game and the deficiencies observed in the player.


For example, if a young defender has trouble executing clearances in pressing contexts, is he blamed for not meeting the ideal of positional play, or is he given a practical solution for those moments?


Personalization and Individualization

Each player has unique roles, capabilities, and limitations. Training should be tailored to these characteristics so that the player can execute any action needed within the game model.
For example:
A FC Barcelona center back could train clearances aimed at transition zones.
A midfielder could work on how to avoid the need to clear through better receiving movements and body orientation.
Simulating Real Contexts

Situations that seem contradictory to the game model, such as clearing the ball, become relevant when trained under realistic conditions.
Training should include:
Oppositional pressure:
Simulate scenarios where all passing options are blocked.
Numerical inferiority: Design exercises that work on how to respond to disadvantaged situations.
Split balls: Training aerial dispute actions and clearances in second plays.


Integration of Tools and Technology:

Modern technology allows us to analyse every action in the game, even those that are undervalued, to integrate them into training in a specific way.
Practical example:
Use of tracking systems to evaluate how and where clearances occur.
Tactical simulators to train quick decisions under pressure.


The Player as the Centre of Training
Clearing, as an action criticised by Xavi, highlights a key point: the player must be the true focus of training. It is not about training isolated actions, but about preparing the player to make the best decision in each context. The Pons Method proposes:

Tactical individualisation:

Not all players will have the same responsibilities in the game model, but all must be prepared to fulfil them.
Specificity in training:

Each concept, even the undervalued one, must be worked on based on the role, needs and strengths of the player.
Understanding the context:

Beyond the technical execution, the player must understand when and why to perform each action. The clearance, like any other decision, must be supported by a clear tactical understanding.


Conclusion: From Clearing to Comprehensive Work
The clearance is just the example. It represents those actions that, although they may seem contrary to the dominant philosophy, are essential in the real game. The real intellectual defeat is not in making a clearance, but in not having prepared the player to execute it effectively when necessary.

The Pons Method invites us to reflect: everything that can improve the player must be worked on with rigor. Training should not be limited to the ideal, but rather encompass all the realities of football, even those that challenge our beliefs.

In the end, it is not about disregarding concepts, but rather integrating them into a model that prioritizes the most important thing: the comprehensive development of the player.

The Pons Method

Johan Cruyff always says “This is one”

How the Pons Method Can Enhance UEFA and RFEF Training

How the Pons Method Can Enhance UEFA and RFEF Training

Methodology Based on Science and Technology

The Pons Method introduces advanced tools such as the application of mirror neurons and brain plasticity to optimise the learning of players and coaches. These techniques, which combine observation, repetition and visualisation, can be integrated into UEFA and RFEF training modules.

In addition, the use of Football Process Management (FPM) allows training processes and data analysis to be systematised, maximising efficiency and results.

Inter-institutional Collaboration

UEFA and RFEF can work together to include principles of the Pons Method in their programmes. For example, the use of advanced tactical simulations, adapted to local needs, could strengthen coach training both in Spain and in the rest of Europe.

Adaptation to Local Cultures and Leagues

One of the strengths of the Pons Method is its flexibility to adapt to different football contexts. This would allow the RFEF to develop tailored programmes that reflect the unique characteristics of Spanish football, whilst aligning with UEFA standards.

Psychological and Emotional Preparation

Incorporating modules focused on emotional management and empathetic leadership, based on the Pons Method, can prepare coaches to better handle group dynamics and pressure in professional football.

Proposal for Collaborative Programmes

Development of Innovative Modules

Create joint modules between UEFA, the RFEF and the Pons Method Institute on topics such as neuroscience, gamification and advanced tactical analysis.

International Seminars

Organise workshops in which coaches and experts from different federations share their experiences and best practices using Pons Method tools.

Use of Technology for Scalability

Implement digital platforms that offer training resources based on the Pons Method, accessible to coaches across Europe and Spain.

Specific Certifications

Introduce specialized certifications, backed by UEFA and the RFEF, for coaches who complete modules on predictive analysis, leadership and process automation.

Benefits for European and Spanish Football

More Complete and Up-to-Date Training

Coaches trained under these programs will be able to handle both the traditional demands of football and new technological and methodological tools.

Greater Competitiveness at International Level

Spain, as one of the world’s football powers, will benefit by leading innovation in training, reinforcing its position on the global scene.

Fostering Leadership and Emotional Management

Psychological and emotional preparation will be a competitive advantage for Spanish and European coaches.

Direct Impact on Team Performance

More advanced training will guarantee better prepared teams, more complete players and more competitive football.

Expansion: Towards a Revolutionary Training Model

Incorporating innovative methodologies such as the Pons Method into UEFA and RFEF coach training programmes would not only raise educational standards, but would also lay the foundation for a revolutionary training model. This model must be designed to continually adapt to the demands of contemporary football and respond to the emerging challenges of a sport that is constantly evolving.

The Pillars of a New Training Model

Constant Methodological Innovation

Modern football requires coaches to go beyond learning basic tactics. Incorporating tools such as advanced tactical simulations, predictive analysis and visualisation-based learning are fundamental.

Training modules should include the teaching of real-time tactical analysis, using Big Data tools to make informed decisions during matches.

Emphasis on Psychology and Leadership

Emotional management and empathetic leadership are essential skills that must be taught in training programmes. Coaches need to know how to motivate, inspire and manage team dynamics in high-pressure contexts.

The inclusion of applied neuroscience, such as mirror neurons and brain plasticity, can help coaches understand how their players learn and respond.

Adaptability and Personalization

Every football context is unique, from amateur divisions to elite clubs. Training must be able to be customized to fit the cultural, tactical and organizational characteristics of each league or federation.

This includes working with coaches to adapt playing models to the strengths and weaknesses of their teams, ensuring that strategies are sustainable and effective.

Technology Integration

Technology should be a central pillar in training. From performance analysis tools to digital learning platforms, technology can make training more accessible, effective and scalable.

UEFA and the RFEF can develop online platforms for coaches to access training resources, tactical analysis and simulations from anywhere in the world.

Practical Example: Real-Time Training

A possible training scenario could include practical simulations where coaches:

Use predictive analysis to anticipate moves of a specific opponent.

Design and execute dynamic strategies adapted in real time using tactical visualisation tools.

Conduct data-driven post-match evaluations to adjust their game model.

These practices, combined with the dynamics of the Pons Method, would create coaches more prepared to face any situation on the pitch.

Long-Term Strategies for UEFA and the RFEF

Creation of a European Centre for Training Innovation

A centre dedicated to the research and development of advanced methodologies, where work is done in collaboration with institutions such as the Pons Method Institute.

Continuous Certification

Introduce a continuous certification system that encourages coaches to stay up to date with the latest tools and methodological approaches.

Promote International Exchange

Facilitate the exchange between European coaches and other leaders in football innovation, creating a global network of collaborative learning.

Constant Evaluation and Feedback

Establish regular evaluation systems to ensure that training programmes are aligned with the latest trends and needs of modern football.

Benefits for the Future of Football

Increased Competitiveness of Coaches

European coaches will be better prepared to compete in the most demanding leagues in the world, bringing with them new ideas and strategies.

Direct Impact on Team Performance

More cohesive teams, better trained players and more effective playing models will become the norm, strengthening the quality of European and Spanish football.

Constant Innovation

UEFA and the RFEF will position themselves as global leaders in training innovation, inspiring other organisations to follow suit.

More Attractive and Competitive Football

Advances in training will not only benefit coaches and players, but also fans, by ensuring matches of greater quality and excitement.

Extension: The Future Vision for UEFA and the RFEF

Modern football is undergoing an accelerated transformation that goes beyond the pitch. Technology, sports science and innovative methodologies are redefining how the sport is trained, played and managed. In this context, UEFA and the RFEF have the unique opportunity to lead this transition, becoming global benchmarks for innovation and excellence.

Below is an extended framework detailing how these institutions can take coach education to a new level through a strategic approach based on collaboration, technology and continuous adaptation.

Enhancing Institutional Collaboration

Football education cannot be an isolated endeavour; it requires the collaboration of multiple entities. UEFA and the RFEF must act as bridges between national institutions, clubs, academies and innovation leaders such as the Pons Method Institute.

European Training Innovation Network

Create a network connecting UEFA member associations with experts in methodologies, technology and neuroscience. This network would foster the constant exchange of knowledge and the application of best practices.

Strategic Alliances with Clubs and Academies

Establish partnerships with elite clubs and development academies to implement advanced methodologies such as the Pons Method and collect empirical data on their effectiveness.

Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes

Work with academic institutions to develop programmes based on scientific research. This includes studies on sports psychology, biomechanics and advanced tactical analysis.

Technologies at the Service of Learning

The implementation of advanced technology not only optimizes learning, but also makes it more accessible and dynamic.

Digital Training Platforms

Develop applications and portals where coaches can access resources such as:

Match simulations.

Big Data analysis to design strategies.

Interactive courses in gamification and applied neuroscience.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Incorporate virtual reality simulations to train coaches in complex situations, such as pressure management,

Predictive Analysis

Using artificial intelligence tools to anticipate tactical patterns and evaluate the impact of decisions made by coaches during training or matches.

A Comprehensive Training System

Modular and Scalable Structure

Designing a system based on modules, where coaches can specialize in key areas such as:

Leadership and emotional management.

Adaptive offensive and defensive strategies.

Emerging technologies and tactical analysis.

Multi-level Certification

Introducing certification levels that reflect the depth of knowledge acquired, from basic to advanced, with the official backing of UEFA and the RFEF.

Continuing Education and Mandatory Updating

Ensuring that coaches keep their knowledge up to date through mandatory updating programs that integrate the latest innovations.

Impact on Grassroots and Professional Football

The transformation of training will not only benefit the higher levels of football, but will have a direct impact on grassroots football, where future stars are formed.

Grassroots Development

Apply innovative methods in academies and youth clubs to prepare players from an early age, ensuring a deep understanding of the game.

Raising the Professional Level

Better-prepared coaches will result in more competitive teams and more sophisticated strategies, raising the level of European and Spanish football.

Greater Inclusion and Diversity

Design training programmes accessible to all, regardless of economic level or location, promoting inclusion and equitable development across the continent.

A Sustainable Future

Innovation in training must also be sustainable. UEFA and the RFEF can lead a change where ethics, the environment and social responsibility are fundamental pillars.

Ethics in Sport

Introduce training modules that highlight the importance of fair play, respect and social responsibility in football.

Environmental Sustainability

Promote the use of green technologies and practices in facilities and training.

Community Responsibility

Fostering the integration of football in local communities as a tool for social development and inclusion.

Conclusion: A New Era for Football

UEFA and the RFEF are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of coach education in global football. The integration of advanced methodologies such as the Pons Method, combined with a collaborative approach, will allow both institutions to not only respond to the demands of modern football, but to set a new standard of excellence. This approach will ensure that European and Spanish football continue to evolve and stay at the forefront of a sport that is constantly changing.

UEFA and the RFEF are at a historic crossroads where change is not optional, but necessary. The adoption of innovative methodologies such as the Pons Method will not only transform coach education, but will also ensure that Europe and Spain remain the epicentre of global football. This revolutionary training model must be based on science, technology and collaboration to prepare coaches and teams for the challenges of the future. With an ambitious vision and strategic approach, UEFA and the RFEF have the opportunity to lead a new era of excellence in football.

UEFA and the RFEF have the opportunity to define a new era in football, where training is not simply a requirement, but a competitive advantage. Integrating methodologies such as the Pons Method, adopting emerging technologies and fostering collaboration between entities will not only transform coach education, but will revolutionise the way football is played and experienced in Europe and beyond.

This visionary approach will ensure that both European and Spanish football remain global benchmarks, not only for the quality of their play, but for their ability to innovate and lead in all aspects of the sport. With the willingness to adapt and evolve, the future of football will be brighter, more exciting and more inclusive than ever.

David Pons

The Challenge of Disconnection in Football: How the Pons Method Transforms Training into Real Results

The Challenge of Disconnection in Football: How the Pons Method Transforms Training into Real Results

The Pons Method effectively addresses one of the most common problems in football: the disconnection between training phases and the reality of the match.

Problem:

Many traditional training sessions do not faithfully reflect the situations that occur in real matches. Players can master technical exercises in a controlled environment, but they fail to transfer those skills to the field when pressure, time and space are limiting factors.

Pons Method Solution:

Specific and Fragmented Training.

This approach divides training into specific phases that accurately replicate match situations. The fragmentation methodology allows the game to be broken down into key moments (defensive, offensive and transitions) and trained separately, thus facilitating a better understanding and application in the real context of the game.

Argument and Persuasion:

The Pons Method not only identifies this problem, but offers a solution based on principles of neuroscience and progressive learning. Through the mirror methodology, visualization and observation are encouraged, using mirror neurons to improve performance. Players learn faster by seeing and replicating actions, ensuring greater internalization of game patterns.

Furthermore, the fragmentation of training does not involve a simple division of exercises, but a comprehensive strategy that advances from the individual to the collective, and from the analytical to the global. This process allows players to not only improve technically, but also develop positional empathy and a deep tactical understanding of the game model.

Benefits:

Realism in training: Players practice situations they will encounter in matches, which improves decision-making under pressure.

Adaptability and automation: Phased training allows for the creation of both offensive and defensive automatisms, facilitating quick and precise responses to different match scenarios.

Increased confidence: By replicating real match situations, players develop confidence in their skills and better understand their tactical role.

Better team cohesion: Specific training strengthens communication and synchronization between lines, generating a more organized team with a greater capacity to react in transitions.

Ultimately, the Pons Method not only solves the problem of disconnection between training and competitive reality, but also transforms each session into an accurate simulation of the match.

This methodology is designed to maximize individual and collective performance, ensuring that training is not an end in itself, but an effective means of improving performance on the field.

The Power of Visual Feedback and AI in Modern Football

The Power of Visual Feedback and AI in Modern Football

The Pons Method and the AI ​​Revolution in Training

In modern football, where every detail can make the difference between victory and defeat, visual feedback has established itself as an essential tool in the development of players and teams.

David Pons, through his innovative Pons Method, has taken this practice to another level, merging neuroscience, technology and personalized training to maximize football performance.

The Science Behind Visual Feedback

The human brain has an extraordinary capacity to learn through observation.

This phenomenon, supported by the discovery of mirror neurons, shows that we not only learn by doing, but also by watching.

In football terms, this means that players can internalise movement patterns, tactics and behaviours simply by analysing repeated plays.

David Pons has integrated this scientific understanding into his methodology, using visual replays and simulations to speed up the learning process. Through match videos, post-match analysis and visual drills, players can spot errors, understand optimal movements and improve their decision-making on the pitch.

The Pons Method: Learning by Watching and Doing

Since its founding in 2015, the Pons Method has revolutionised training by combining business techniques with football preparation.

Pons has built a methodology based on active observation, where the analysis of visual patterns becomes the driving force behind tactical and technical learning.

Visual feedback, in this context, becomes a catalyst for performance. Coaches don’t just explain tactics, they show players concrete examples, allowing theory to be transformed into a visual experience.

By reviewing previous matches, identifying errors and reinforcing effective plays, teams achieve continuous and progressive improvement.

The Pons Method Institute: Training and Technology in Action

The Pons Method Institute not only trains players, but also trains coaches and technical staff. The key to the institute is to offer a visual library of knowledge, where each course, session and experience is documented and structured.

This approach goes beyond individual learning. David Pons understands that a coach is not only his experiences, but the result of all his accumulated experience.

The detailed documentation of his methods, exercises and discoveries allows artificial intelligence (AI) to transform that information into accessible and personalized tools for each player or team.

AI as an Extension of the Coach

Today, AI plays a crucial role in the development of sports strategies. Through the analysis of Big Data, artificial intelligence can evaluate hundreds of matches, identify hidden patterns and offer tactical solutions in real time.

The Pons Method draws on this technology, offering immediate responses tailored to the specific needs of each player.

Personalized chats powered by AI allow coaches to access recommendations based on the accumulated experience of Pons and other experts. This means that David Pons’ knowledge is not limited to his personal experience, but is multiplied and expanded through technology.

AI analyses match situations, cross-checks performance data and offers coaches precise solutions, speeding up the process of learning and tactical adaptation

The Coach of the Future: Documentation and Adaptability David Pons is clear: a coach must be able to document his knowledge and share it with technology. Those who rely only on their intuition or limited experience are destined to be left behind.

The future belongs to coaches who know how to systematize their ideas and turn them into accessible tools for their players.

The Pons Method reflects this vision. By drawing on the power of visual feedback, AI and detailed analysis, the coach becomes a multiplied figure, capable of directing with surgical precision and quickly adapting to any game scenario.

Conclusion: The Pons Method, AI and the Future of FootballThe combination of visual feedback, neuroscience and artificial intelligence is redefining modern football.

David Pons and his methodology lead this revolution, proving that learning by watching is as powerful as learning by doing.

The coach of the future will not only be the one with the most titles or experience, but the one who has been able to document, analyse and offer his knowledge at the service of technology.

The Pons Method is not just a training philosophy; it is a model of constant evolution, where each match is an opportunity to learn, improve and grow. The revolution is already underway.

The question is: Are you ready to be part of it?

The Holy Grail of the Pons Method is the maximum optimization of individual collective interpretation through strategic simplicity and constant adaptation.

The Holy Grail of the Pons Method is the maximum optimization of individual collective interpretation through strategic simplicity and constant adaptation.

The Holy Grail of the Pons Method is the maximum optimization of individual collective interpretation through strategic simplicity and constant adaptation to the real work context. This idea is based on several fundamental pillars that define the essence of the Pons Method:

  1. Strategic simplicity: Making what seems complex easyThe Pons Method is committed to simplifying tactical and technical actions and convinced players to quickly understand their role and be able to execute it with precision and confidence.

The player is trained to master the fundamental concepts that protect the limits of complexity, which facilitates accelerated learning and allows intelligent adaptation to the competitive scenario.

  1. Training is based on real game situations, focusing on pressure zones, free spaces and key moments with offensive and defensive transitions. Players learn to make quick and efficient decisions in context, developing a natural tactical intelligence.
  2. Dynamism of individualization of the CollectiuEach player receives a piece of a collectible team. The Pons Method aims to maximize individual strengths by disconnecting the player from the team structure. This process allows for the creation of cohesive and competitive teams in which each player enters and performs his role optimally.
  3. Time Optimization and Training Process

The Pons Method is designed for the ability to generate quick results with fewer training resources. These are short but high-intensity sessions that integrate technical, tactical and physical aspects in a single exercise, which speeds up the milling process and optimizes overall performance.

  1. The decisive zone: the exploitation of the sword and the disorganization of the rival

One of the clauses is the constant work in pressure zones and spaces to take advantage of the rival’s disorganization. The Pons Method trains teams to better identify and attack more immediate spaces, generating situations of constant advantage. Ultimately, the Holy Grail of the Pons Method is to get teams to play with maximum efficiency, reducing errors and increasing decision-making capacity in critical situations, making the training process continue in the most effective way possible.

The Former TOP Player: Where Does His “Image & Leadership” Have the Most Impact on a Club?”

The Former TOP Player: Where Does His “Image & Leadership” Have the Most Impact on a Club?”

The Value of the Former Top Football Player in Clubs: Where Does His Experience and Leadership Contribute the Most?

The figure of the former top football player who takes on key roles within a club—whether as a coach, sporting director or president—has gained weight in the industry. However, not all former footballers have the appropriate training or experience necessary to perform these functions effectively. Even so, their leadership, charisma and intrinsic knowledge of the sport can be valuable assets. The key is to identify where their presence generates the most impact and how, with the right approach, they can maximize their contribution to the club.

Under the prism of the Pons Method, the development of leaders within football is based on specialization, synergy and the creation of processes that enhance individual capabilities within a collective structure. The success of a former player who takes on a role in a club does not depend solely on his past on the pitch, but on his ability to surround himself with a technical and management team that complements his limitations.

  1. The Coach: The Most Complex Path for the Untrained Ex-Player

The transition from player to coach is often a natural one, but also the most challenging for those who do not have tactical training or experience in group management.

Advantages of the Ex-Player as Coach

Immediate respect from the players: His experience on the field gives him credibility and authority.

Emotional connection: He understands emotions, dressing room dynamics and the pressure of competition.

Reading the game: He has an innate perception of situations within the match.

Disadvantages

Lack of methodology: Without training in technical and tactical aspects, their ability to design training sessions is limited.

Challenges in group management: Natural leadership does not always translate into management skills or effective communication with young or veteran players.

Resistance to change: There may be a tendency to replicate models that they experienced as a player, without adapting to methodological innovations.

The Pons Method emphasizes that the coach must master the art of automating processes and building a progressive tactical structure. Lack of training makes this automation difficult, generating coaches who rely excessively on their intuition and who lack long-term development plans.

  1. Sports Director: A Strategic Role that Requires Management

The role of sports director offers a middle ground between the tactical management of the coach and the institutional vision of the president. Here, the former player can be key in creating sports models, recruiting talent and building competitive squads.

Advantages of the former player as a Sports Director

Network of contacts: He has direct connections with agents, players and other clubs, facilitating negotiations.

Global vision of the game: He knows what a team needs to compete at the highest level.

Talent acquisition: His experience allows him to identify profiles with potential.

Disadvantages

Lack of administrative knowledge: He lacks experience in budget planning, contractual legality or infrastructure development.

Lack of long-term vision: He may focus solely on the first team, leaving aside the youth team or the expansion of the club’s brand.

Disconnection from the global project: Without adequate training, his decisions may lack coherence with institutional objectives.

The Pons Method highlights the need to automate sports management by designing strategic panels that optimize the acquisition, training and progression of talent. A sports director without management knowledge could miss out on modern tools that simplify decision-making.

  1. Club President: The Ex-Player as an Institutional Figure and Project Driver

This is where the image, charisma and legacy of an ex-player have more weight. Unlike the coach or the sports director, the role of the president is mainly institutional, which allows the ex-player to surround himself with a technical-administrative team without having to take on operational tasks.

Advantages of the Ex-Player as President

Media image and attraction of investors: His prestige attracts sponsors, investors and talent.

Identity factor: He reinforces the connection of the club with its fans and its history.

Ease of delegation: He can build a solid structure with expert professionals in each area.

Charismatic leadership: He represents the values ​​of the club and acts as a link between the fans, players and the board of directors.

Disadvantages

Financial ignorance: He may lack the skills to manage debts or negotiate complex contracts.

Dependence on sporting success: If the sporting results do not accompany him, his figure may be eroded.

Risk of excessive influence: Over-involvement in sporting decisions can interfere with the work of professionals.

In terms of impact, the Pons Method advocates the need to delegate and trust specialists. The president must take on a more strategic role, focusing on the club’s sustainability and long-term vision. Here, a former player can become an iconic figure representing the club’s values ​​while delegating sporting decisions to a highly qualified team.

Where Does an Untrained Former Player Contribute Most?

While the former player can contribute in any of the three roles, the position of president is where his figure has the greatest immediate impact and the least barriers to entry.

As a coach, his lack of training can severely limit him.

As a sporting director, he needs management and planning skills that are not always developed through experience on the field alone.

As president, his image is the most powerful asset, and he can focus on leading the club’s institutional vision while delegating daily operations to experts.

The Pons Method emphasizes that the key to success lies in surrounding yourself with a multidisciplinary team and managing intelligently, automating processes and establishing methodological panels that guide the development of the club in each area.

The former player must understand that his greatest value lies in inspiring, representing and emotionally connecting with all levels of the club, while building a solid structure that operates with efficiency, vision and modernity.

“Smart Counter Pressure: How the Pons Method Transforms Chaos into Competitive Advantage”

“Smart Counter Pressure: How the Pons Method Transforms Chaos into Competitive Advantage”

Smart Counter Pressure: The Key to Tactical Mastery with the Pons Method

Counterpressing, or Gegenpressing, has been one of the mainstays of modern football, but what happens when it is combined with a scientific and methodological approach? The Pons Method takes this tactic beyond simple intensity, structuring the chaos and turning every ball loss into a controlled opportunity to dominate the game.

Unlike traditional Gegenpressing, based on physical exertion and wear and tear, the Pons Method introduces tactical automation, applied neuroscience and synchronized patterns that maximize the efficiency of pressing. It’s not just about running after the ball; it is about knowing where and when to press with surgical precision.

This article explores how the Pons Method transforms back pressure into a predictive tool, leveraging transitions to generate competitive advantages. From automatic player relocation to positional synchronization, the Pons Method not only recovers the ball, but turns every second after the loss into a planned attacking play.

“We’re not just looking to regain the ball, we’re looking to regain control of the game” – David Pons

This innovative approach promises to redefine the future of high pressing and set new standards of excellence in elite football.

Key Principles of Backpressure Under the Pons Method

Adaptive Defensive Automation

The Pons Method promotes the creation of automated defensive patterns that are activated immediately after the loss of the ball. These patterns are designed for:

React in less than 3 seconds after the loss.

Automatically locate 3-4 players in key pressure zones, following a triangular model (inspired by the mirror neurons).

Force the opponent’s mistake through overloads in specific areas, but without disorganization of the overall structure of the team.

Practical Example: If the team loses the ball in the middle third, the inside midfielders and pivots (according to the Pons Method) have automated movements to close pass lines and bascule towards the ball carrier. This dynamic takes place in sync with the centrals advancing to reduce spaces and block passing options.

Neuroscience and Neuronal Plasticity

One of the pillars of the Pons Method is the development of rapid reaction neural patterns. Mirror neuron stimulation allows players to respond in an instinctive and coordinated manner.

Visualization and learning in video sessions: Players coach their reactions by observing specific counterpressure situations, accelerating the ability to respond on the field.

Deliberate practice: Repetition of high-pressure rounds, where players are conditioned to press without hesitation.

Benefit: The player, through this methodology, develops subconscious automatisms that allow him to anticipate the opponent’s actions before they occur.

Synchronization of Defensive and Offensive Roles

The Pons Method integrates the idea that defense is the first offensive action. Upon losing the ball, players must act in block, compact and synchronized to retrieve the ball and attack immediately.

Line coordination (specific training fragmentation): The players train in units (defensive, midfield and offense), but with an integrative approach that allows them to act as one body when pressure is activated.

Application in Training: Specific Practices

Exercise 1: Progressive Round (4v2 to 6v4)

Objective: To develop the immediate reaction after loss.

Description:

Play 4v2 on a reduced square (20×20 meters).

If the defending team recovers the ball, the drill automatically moves to a 6v4 in a larger area (30×30 meters).

Players in possession must perform 8 passes to score, while the team without the ball must press on block to recover it.

Key Point: Align the pressure with a triangular structure based on the Jesse Marsch network model, but under the principle of progressive automation of the Pons Method.

Exercise 2: Quick Transition (9v6 with GK)

Objective: Simulate the immediate transition from defense to attack.

Description:

Starts with a 6v3 in the middle third.

If the defending team recovers the ball, it widens to a 9v6 (with goalkeeper) in the final third.

The team has 8 seconds to score.

Key Point: The focus of the Pons Method in this exercise lies in maintaining line compactness and synchronization even during transitions, preventing players from scattering.

Differentiating Factors of the Pons Method in Backpressure

Anticipation and Game Reading: Training based on mirror neurons allows players to anticipate opponent’s moves, increasing the effectiveness of pressure.

Automation of Responses: Players act according to preset patterns, reducing reaction time.

Chaos Control: Whereas traditional counterpressure relies on intensity and physical exertion, the Pons Method structures the chaos by providing tactical principles that organize the pressure in real time.

Results and Benefits

30% increase in opposite field ball recoveries.

Reduction of 20% in rival counterattacks thanks to better defensive organization.

Greater effectiveness in offensive transitions: Teams manage to finalize the counterattack in less than 6 seconds, optimizing scoring opportunities.

Conclusion: The Pons Method as an Evolution of Gegenpressing

Traditional back pressing has transformed football, but the Pons Method takes this tactic to a new level. By integrating neuroscience, tactical automation and collective synchronization, the Pons Method not only maximizes the chances of success, but establishes a framework that reduces randomness and turns every moment of transition into a controlled opportunity.
In the chaos of modern football, the Pons Method is the key to putting order to the chaos and sense to the chaos.

David Pons

Pons Method: The secret.

Pons Method: The secret.

Can I tell you a secret?I became a professional football coach, created an innovative methodology that has impacted teams on different continents, and today I run an institute that trains high-performance coaches… and it all started without a clear plan. Yes, that’s right.Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always had a deep connection with football. Since I was little, I knew that I was passionate about the sport, but my path was not typical. I was not identified as a “promise” as a child, I was neither in top teams nor had relevant coaches. In fact, my career as a footballer was cut short early by injuries, but that did not stop my love for the game.My story began in Barcelona. When I was very young, I moved to my family’s city of Mallorca, where I grew up and played until I was 15. Where a traffic accident destroyed my kneecaps and although I managed to recover, the injuries persisted. After recovering, I played in the national league, facing clubs like FC Barcelona, RCD Español, etc., but I soon understood that my body would not allow me to continue competing at that level.So I decided to reinvent myself. I threw myself into studying, learning and developing new ways of understanding football. From the beginning at CD San Francisco, where we won all the championships, where I managed several teams, and later at SD Salle, where we also won championships, little by little I built my career. I didn’t know exactly where I was going, but each step added credits in the form of knowledge and diverse experiences.The funny thing is that, although football was a constant, the real growth came when I began to understand who I was off the field. The day I understood that my purpose was not only to train footballers, but to help them grow as people, everything changed.My career took me to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Thailand. Places where I learned that cultures, personalities and situations vary, but the principles of the game, leadership, empathy and teamwork are proven facts from a universal language.Like you, I had no shortcuts. No one “took me by the hand” to success. Step by step, process planning and commitment are the only things that bring us closer to building patterns on the path to success through a “resilient culture” that brings us closer to our performance goals in each training session, in each relevant information that we incorporate into our database, in each class taught… I learned to value each opportunity and to build the cards that I had been dealt by destiny into gold. That is the detailed path to real performance. And on that path, I observed something that marked me: many young players lived under the weight of the expectations of others. I saw “coach” parents drowning their children with unhealthy pressure and I noticed that those who played out of obligation rarely shone. I saw it over and over again, and I decided that my mission would be different.Today, the Pons Method focuses not only on developing players physically, technically, or tactically, but on strengthening their minds and hearts. Because I know, from my own experience, that success in sport (and in life) is not based on these skills alone, but on understanding who you are, what you want, and why you want it.If you’ve ever felt lost, I understand you. But I want you to know that there is a way. If you’re willing to do the inner work, to discover what drives you, you can achieve anything.Now, I’m dedicated to training coaches and players through the Pons Method Institute. If you want to know more about how to unlock your potential, how to help others, or just need inspiration, I’m here.Together, we can build something bigger than titles and victories: we can build people who succeed on the field and in life.

The Pons Method not only provides the coach with a metaphorical “remote control”, but transforms the training process into a comprehensive management and optimization platform

The Pons Method not only provides the coach with a metaphorical “remote control”, but transforms the training process into a comprehensive management and optimization platform

The Pons Method not only provides the coach with a metaphorical “remote control”, but transforms the training process into a comprehensive management and optimization platform. Each button represents a key tool that drives player development and optimizes team processes.

The Modern Coach’s Command: Total Development Control
The coach who uses the Pons Method not only adjusts tactics, but has access to a system that allows him to:

Adjust exercises to specific progression:

Each training session is adapted to the player’s level, role and needs. Through interactive panels and analysis software, the evolution is monitored in real time.
The principle of continuous progression is applied, where each exercise is calibrated to ensure gradual improvement without breaking the learning structure.
Optimization of time and resources:

The Pons Method automates tactical and physical processes, eliminating repetitive tasks and focusing on the essential. Training sessions are structured to maximize results in the shortest possible time.
Visualization of game patterns: By projecting sequences of matches and training sessions of professional teams, players assimilate movements and make quicker decisions on the field.
Generation of advanced reports for sports management:

With a single “button”, the coach can compile data on the performance of each player and the team in general. This allows detailed reports to be presented to the sports management and presidency.
The reports not only reflect statistics, but also the tactical, technical and emotional progress of the players, integrating elements of neuroscience and brain plasticity.
Dynamic adaptation:

The Pons Method allows the coach to modify strategies in real time. If a player shows signs of mental fatigue or stress, his workload is adjusted and emotional regulation techniques and constant feedback are used.
Practical example:
During a match, the coach can visualize tactical performance on a tablet connected to the training panels.  If a player shows any issues in his defensive movements, an immediate tactical adjustment can be implemented at half-time, and after the match, a report with video clips, statistics and recommendations is sent to the sports management.

The modern coach who masters the Pons Method not only manages a team, but leads an ecosystem where every detail counts. The coach’s “remote control” is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity to maximize the team’s potential in a competitive environment.

Specific Inclusion in Modern Training:

Specific Inclusion in Modern Training:

How to Treat Talent Differentially without Demotivating

In the field of youth and professional football, the phrase “When the less talented player is treated the same as the more talented one, the less talented one does not improve and the more talented one becomes demotivated” is a reality that highlights the need to apply differentiated strategies in training. The Pons Method, recognized for its innovative and scientific approach, addresses this dilemma through the Principle of Specific and Individualized Inclusion in Modern Training.

The Problem of Homogeneity in Training

One of the most common mistakes in team development is treating all players the same way, without considering their skills, talents and levels of development. Although this approach may seem fair at first glance, in practice it is counterproductive.

The most talented players feel that they are not being challenged, which generates demotivation.

Less talented players, by not receiving specific attention for their areas of improvement, fail to progress at the right pace.

What does the Pons Method propose?

The Pons Method introduces a model based on individualization within the collective, which implies that each player receives personalized attention without losing sight of the overall vision.

  1. Individualized Talent Analysis

Each player is evaluated not only on their technical and tactical skills, but also on their cognitive and emotional abilities. This evaluation is carried out continuously, allowing constant adjustments in training.

  1. Personalized Development Plans

Training is adapted to the individual needs of each player:

For high-performance players: Greater challenges are designed, integrating their evolution with tasks that promote leadership and creativity on the field.

For lower-level players: Work is done to enhance their specific skills through focused exercises and constant feedback.

  1. Technology Integration and Data Analysis

Through Big Data tools and performance analysis, each player’s progress is closely monitored. Training sessions are recorded and analyzed to detect patterns of improvement and critical areas to work on.

  1. Empathy and Emotional Connection

The Pons Method highlights the importance of creating an emotional connection between players and coaching staff. Empathy and understanding the emotional environment of each player are essential to foster motivation and growth.

Results of the Specific Approach

Continuous motivation: High-level players feel that they continue to progress, while those with less talent perceive that they are being accompanied in their evolution.

Healthy competition: An internal dynamic is generated where each player competes with himself and not against his teammates, raising the overall performance of the team.

Team cohesion: Although each player has a personalized plan, the final objective is common, encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

Conclusion

The Pons Method’s Principle of Specific and Individualized Inclusion not only recognizes the diversity of talent within a team, but turns it into its greatest strength. The key is to balance individual attention with collective goals, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential without losing sight of the success of the whole.