Decoding the Game: An Overview of Football Strategies and Tactics

An Overview of Football Tactics

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There are a few tactics used by coaches and teams in any football (soccer) game. While teams may stick to a particular tactic for many games, other tactics can be introduced during a game in relation to the circumstances of the match. These are a few of the most notable soccer tactics used in the sport.

Counter-Attack

To counterattack in a game is a tactic used by a good number of teams. Essentially speaking, counterattacking soccer is when a team drops back a little when off the ball, as the other team goes forward. When the ball is won back, the team suddenly moves from defence to attack very quickly, so that the other team has little time to organise a defence. Counterattacks can be either with long balls upfield or more direct passing. Used effectively, the counter-attack can catch teams out and result in goals.

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Men Behind the Ball

Getting men, or players, behind the ball is not a new soccer tactic. However, it is a very traditional approach used by teams to play a more defensive game plan. Overall, getting men behind the ball involves teams pulling a number of their players further back and defending in numbers. As such, it is associated with team formations that involve the use of five defenders at the back. The tactic is sometimes used by teams in away games against teams that have very good records at home. Or alternatively, if a team gets a player sent off, then getting men behind the ball will at least limit the spaces of having one less player.

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Overall, it aims to limit their goal-scoring chances and gives a better chance of not conceding a goal and perhaps drawing a game. However, equally, it will also mean that there will be fewer chances for the team to play the tactic. As such, it is considered a negative approach by teams that do not feel they have a great chance of winning the game.

Offside Trap

The offside trap is a tactic that aims to exploit the offside rule. When a player is caught offside, the linesman waves the flag and stops play. To take advantage of this, some defenders will quickly run up behind the forward when, or just before, the ball is played to them. When they do this well, the forward can be caught offside and the play restarted by their own team. However, if not timed correctly, a player can still remain onside and could potentially even score a goal. Therefore, it requires good organisation and timing by the defenders.

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Pressing

Pressing was introduced to English football in the 1980s by Watford, taking them as high as second in England’s top division. When a team presses the other team, they aim to quickly close players down who are on the ball and then win it back. By doing this, they restrict the time the other team has on the ball. This can be an effective tactic against teams that play a short passing game, although it does require a good level of fitness from players to play the pressing tactic.

Those are some of the most effective tactics that football coaches and teams can use in their games. Some teams may play the same tactic in some games, while others may use such tactics sporadically in games with suitable circumstances. Good coaches make effective use of tactics in their games to their team’s advantage.

Read more of my football articles on Medium:

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