Tactical Theory

In League Two this season, the top seven features six sides that predominantly play a five-at-the-back formation. Doncaster Rovers are...

Not long ago, Pep Guardiola said that football is no longer about the positional approach in the modern world. "It...

The choice between a two-striker system and one with a central forward supported by two wide attackers represents one of...

Crosses are among the most frequently used concepts for chance creation in football. They pose a real issue for many...

The long-line pass is probably one of the simplest passes in football and is, therefore, a common pattern for progressing...

In this tactical analysis, we examine build-up play and explain how opposition-pressing triggers can be exploited to overcome the press....

When we coach forwards, and in particular when we coach finishing, we often focus on the strike's execution itself. Whilst...

The inverted full-back position is an ever-evolving position, and new ideas and tactics for best utilising these players are constantly being introduced. This...

This tactical analysis presents a set of practices designed to enhance a team's ability to defend effectively in wide areas....

The days of the classic "big and small" striker duo or the "act 1 and act 2" partnerships were once...

This tactical training analysis will reveal how to coach a counter-attacking philosophy in a training session. It will also include...

In the modern game, so many teams play with a midfield three. While working with a team for a season,...

Coaching philosophies in football set teams apart, adding complexity to the game and ultimately making it more intriguing. Every single...

With so many different formations available, there will always be an argument surrounding which one is the best. The truth...

Adaptation is key for a footballer because they're always facing changes. Whether it's changing clubs or teammates or something more...

What Is Overloading To Isolate In Football? Overloading to isolate is a tactical concept utilised by many coaches, including Pep Guardiola...

In this tactical theory piece, we unveil the advantages and disadvantages of a certain attacking strategy on a group tactical level. As...

With football tactics constantly evolving and defensive systems becoming increasingly structured and organised, any football fan needs to understand the basics of...

Below, we examine six patterns of play that can be utilised in the 3-4-3 formation and similar formations, including 3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1, and 3-5-2. Four patterns of...

What Is A 4-4-2 Mid-Block? The 4-4-2 mid-block is an out-of-possession strategy that features a flat back four, a midfield...