This book is not designed to break down Ajax’s formations and tactics. It is not an in depth tactical analysis of each players roles and responsibilities in the Ajax system of play either. The focus of this book is to provide you with training ground exercises direct from Ajax FC. The exercises focus on the major principles and concepts that Ajax embrace in their style of play. Each exercise directly relates to the “Ajax Training Model” that fits with “Ajax’s Game Model”. The exercises in the book cover the four phases of the game: attacking transition, attacking organization, defensive transition and defensive organization. As a club Ajax is known for their technical proficiency, quality of possession, fluent attacking style of play and the interchanging player positions. Ajax can play this style of soccer because of the total development of the players they produce. As a testament to the Ajax training method; the club has consistently produced world-class players over the decades along with winning of top championship trophies!

The sessions in the book include counter-attacking, possession, crossing and finishing, passing patterns, defensive organization and the using rules and conditions to bring about desired outcomes (problem solving). The exercises will have your team training like Ajax and through time playing like Ajax (training model = game model). I would strongly recommend that you also read my book “Tactical Periodization: Made Simple” in order to get a greater understanding of how to organize and create a training system like the ones the top clubs in the world use. I hope you find the exercises rewarding!