In the last 15 years or so, Blackpool have had something of a rollercoaster journey.
From shocking the footballing world in 2009-10 by securing promotion to the Premier League to being relegated to EFL League Two in 2015/16, they have had quite an unpredictable time.
This season is their first back in League One since 2020/21, following two campaigns in the Championship, and the Tangerines are looking to bounce back immediately with Neil Critchley’s side aiming to qualify for the playoffs.
Blackpool lacked overall quality and tactical direction last season, finishing rock bottom in England’s second tier. However, this season, Critchley’s team has made a huge improvement in tactics, often forming a 3-5-2.
The Seasiders have leaned into a direct approach, and it is undoubtedly producing some positive results.
This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Blackpool’s direct tactics in attack, looking at where and how they look to execute long balls forward and how they operate in the final third.
Neil Critchley Tactics Through balls
We’ll discuss Blackpool’s use of long and progressive passes later in the analysis, but before we do, their use of through balls deserves recognition.
The Tangerines have found a knack for utilising the skill in the right areas.
As the analysis will reveal, they are the most frequent users of through balls and one of the most accurate—through balls should be something opposition defences should be very afraid of.
According to the data, Blackpool are one of the most direct teams in League One.
However, they should not be underestimated in their build-up play on the ground, which utilises individual quality in critical areas and moments.
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