Category: Tactical Theory

Analysis

Using The Half-Spaces To Progress The Ball Like Pep Guardiola – Tactical Theory

The use of half-spaces is not new, but they gained more prominence in the football vernacular during Pep Guardiola’s time as Barcelona’s head coach, where…

November 5, 2025

Analysis

Marcelo Bielsa Tactics At Leeds United 2020/2021: Coaching Using Up-Back-Through – Tactical Theory

When in possession, Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy revolves around breaking the defensive lines to progress the ball through the thirds. When breaking lines,…

November 5, 2025

4-2-3-1 Formation

The Difference Between Low Block, Standard Block, & High Block In Football – Tactical Theory

Teams with a defensive identity succeed far more than a side that does not employ well-thought-out tactics to win the ball back…

October 22, 2025

Alfred Schreuder

Football Coaching Styles: Do Coaching Families Think Alike?

We often hear of these infamous chats between some of the greatest minds in football behind closed doors. The likes of a…

October 20, 2025

2-3-5 Formation

Resurrecting Football’s 2-3-5 Pyramid – Tactical Theory

If you have read Jonathan Wilson’s extraordinary book Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics, you are well aware of football’s historic…

September 25, 2025

AC Milan

How To Defend Like Paolo Maldini – Tactical Analysis

Who is Paolo Maldini? Few players can boast the longevity of having matched up against both Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact,…

September 12, 2025

3-4-3 Formation

How To Coach 3-4-3 Formation While Pressing Like Rúben Amorim – Tactical Analysis

Is 3-4-3 A Good Formation? The 3-4-3 is a formation that offers considerable flexibility in the defensive phase. Teams can quickly turn…

September 4, 2025

Analysis

The Re-Emergence Of Man-Marking In A High Press – Tactical Theory

As football data continues to evolve, we’re seeing that most goal-scoring actions are produced with limited time in possession and few passes.…

August 30, 2025

4-3-3 Formation

Occupying Space Between Opposition Midfield And Defence – Tactical Theory

When analysing attacking play, many talk about the width and depth provided. However, it is also important to position players between the…

August 25, 2025

4-Diamond-2

Pressing With A Midfield Diamond – Tactical Theory

Pressing can be defined as applying pressure on your opponent with the intention of forcing a negative action on the opponent. These…

August 18, 2025

Analysis

How To Effectively Scout Your Opposition & Write A Scout Report

Depending on your sources, you’ve likely heard that football is 50% luck. Others, most often former players or coaches, will offer a…

August 11, 2025

Analysis

How To Create Chances Through Zone 14 – Tactical Theory

What is Zone 14 In Football? In football, the pitch is divided into several zones in various ways. For this following tactical…

July 6, 2025

Analysis

How To Coach Offside Trap And Highline In Football – Tactical Theory

The highline in football is not a new concept but one that coaches still treat with some trepidation, mainly because it is…

July 6, 2025

Analysis

Defending Crosses In A Back Four: Insights From Aston Villa, Lecce, Freiburg & Rayo Vallecano – Tactical Theory

Defending crosses is one of the most detailed tactical analysis topics, with numerous differences between different teams and coaches’ ideas. The details of defending…

June 19, 2025

Analysis

A Comprehensive Guide To Zonal Marking From Corners – Set-Piece Analysis

Defending from set-pieces is still a topic that invokes much debate in the footballing community, with the debate of man-to-man vs zonal…

June 10, 2025

4-2-3-1 Formation

Tactical Theory: Pressing Variations Within A 4-2-3-1 Formation

The use of the 4-2-3-1 out-of-possession has gained popularity in recent years, with various teams using different systems within this shape. Within…

June 10, 2025

4-4-2 Formation

Roles Of Central Midfielders In A Midfield Four – Tactical Analysis

Not too long ago, four-man midfields were the norm. The classic 4-4-2 ruled the global football scene. The only question was whether…

June 8, 2025

4-2-3-1 Formation

Thiago And Joshua Kimmich At Bayern Munich 2020/2021 – Europe’s Most Complete Double-Pivot

Hansi Flick took over on an interim basis after Nico Kovač was dismissed ten matches into the campaign, after which Bayern Munich…

June 5, 2025

4-2-3-1 Formation

Attacking Principles Of A 4-2-3-1 Formation – Tactical Theory

There is no single best formation in football. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and coaches must be flexible enough to recognise…

May 29, 2025

Analysis

Space Occupation & Creation In Football – Tactical Theory

“It’s like everything in football – and life. You need to look, think, move, find space, and help others. It’s very simple…

May 26, 2025