# Outlets: Football's Pressure Valves *This essay examines qualities of outlets, introduces the concept of outlet value, suggests ways to spot (potential for) outlets, and attempts to establish a broader definition for this attribute of football players.* > For the full version with images, embedded tweets, and visual breakdowns, [visit BallerzBantz](https://www.ballerzbantz.com/p/outlets). ## Base A pressure valve or pressure relief valve (PRV), is a critical component in various mechanical and industrial systems. As the name implies, it is designed to open and release excess pressure from a system when it exceeds a predetermined set point. This prevents potential damage or catastrophic failure due to overpressure, which can occur from system malfunctions, thermal expansion, or other operational anomalies. --- ## Connection Like these complex system, football also has its own pressure accumulators needing release. These pressures manifest across different dimensions and reference points: ### 1. Pressure by a Player - **1v1 or 1v2 Situations:** Players being closed down by one or more opponents, such as Sadio Mané being tightly marked by two Tottenham defenders. ### 2. Pressure in a Zone - **Deep Throw-Ins or Playing Out from the Back:** Pressure builds when taking throw-ins deep in one's half or when defenders play out from the box under close marking. ### 3. Pressure by Opposition Intent - **Pressing Schemes:** Being subjected to a coordinated pressing scheme aimed at choking out any rhythm or momentum. ### 4. Pressure because of Game-State - **Aggressive Closing Down:** Opponents increase their pressure when they need a goal, intensifying their efforts to win the ball back. ### 5. Pressure when playing against the Game-Momentum - **Sustained Opposition Attacks:** Facing wave after wave of opposition attacks, making it difficult to clear the ball and relieve pressure. ### 6. Pressure from the fans - **Opposition Fans:** Jeers and hostile atmosphere from opposition fans when a player is in possession. - **Home Fans:** Pressure from home fans expecting assertiveness in possession. ### 7. Pressure because of the Game-Stakes - **High-Stakes Fixtures:** The pressure and tension that accumulate in finals or key fixtures where the outcome has significant consequences. --- ## Target Hence, the sport requires pressure valves – which we've come to call outlets. Outlets are players who relieve pressure on their team by their ability to maintain possession and transition play under duress. These include players who can beat their man in close quarters, those who can dribble out of pressure, those who have chilling composure under the knife, those who can extend calm and comfort to their teammates, and those who especially relish the stakes and pressure of the sport. This essay will examine qualities of outlets, introduce the concept of *outlet value*, discuss ways to spot (potential for) outlets, attempt to establish a broader definition for this property of football players, and discuss ways we can platform attacking outlets. --- ## Qualities of Outlets Each kind of pressure has a matching quality or set of qualities that resolves it. Some are visible attributes; others are mental. ### 1. Pressure by a Player - Strong in taking on their man. - Good in duels and under contact. - Instill fear in their markers through actions or thoughts, buying time. ### 2. Pressure in a Zone - Great at receiving from a range of angles. - Confidence in their teammates. - Composure under pressure. - Dribbling or carrying from deep. ### 3. Pressure by Opposition Intent - Successfully beat the press a few times to demoralize and expose the opposition's scheme. - Trust in teammates. - Decisive problem-solving and execution in small circuits. ### 4. Pressure because of Game-State - High concentration. - A willingness to suffer. - Endurance. - Gamesmanship – like running down the clock. ### 5. Pressure when playing against the Game-Momentum - High concentration. - A well-timed substitution to bring fresh legs or a different tactical approach. *(Visit the full article for sections on Outlet Value, Spotting Outlets, and Platforming Attacking Outlets.)* --- ## Related - [[Synergies]] - [[Anti-Strategy]] - [[Focusing on Strengths]] - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Projections/Iwobi to Midfield]]