Special: Formations and Tactical Decision Making

Tactical decision making is a key concept that distinguishes physically and skilfully similar teams. The ability of all players to be able to implement the tactics developed off the field and adapt to the changing circumstances of the match are crucial to the success of the team.

What tactics should be employed?
The team should develop tactics that fit the squad as a whole. The coach's philosophy will play a fundamental role it developing the mind set of the side. This will encompass the perceived abilities of each of the players in the squad in order to maximise the strengths and minimise the weaknesses of the side. Going into a match, the tactics should also look to minimise the strengths of the opposition and to exploit any weaknesses.

Formation
The formation is the first stage in implementing the tactics that the coach and squad have decided as the most efficient to achieve a win.

The European Sweeper System is a naturally fluid one; currently played by the majority of the leading league clubs and national teams.

The success of the system depends on the ability and fitness of the 3 midfield players, who support the 3 strikers when required in attack as well as providing cover and support when needed in defence. This leaves the sweeper free to cover any player or pass that penetrates the defence and also be free to move forward and provide an extra player in attack.

The 5-3-2. This framework reflects a structure that has 5 forwards, 3 half backs, 2 backs, and goalkeeper, it is very similar to structures often described as 3-3-4 or 3-3-3-1.

The Diamond formation provides stability in midfield. The spine of the team is the key to this formation, and aims to create space out wide. The wide defenders act as wing backs, and should be encouraged to attack the flanks for a more attack-minded outlook. The Diamond shaped midfield encourages zonal defence and promotes extended interlinking play. This formation requires thorough communication between all players to maintain a tight defence. The midfielders provide support to the defence, whilst at the same time providing the basis for attack. The low and high central midfield players extend the depth of the team so that there is an easier transition between defence and attack.

Which formation is best?
The best formation for your team should take into account each player's individual strengths and the team's strengths and weaknesses. Forwards with exceptional individual skill and a weaker defence might push a case for reinforcing the defence and leaving the forwards more isolated in the Diamond formation. A side that has a strong defence yet is not scoring may consider the 5-3-2 formation to overload the opposition defence.

Subscribe for the full article on the merits of different press techniques and how to exploit an opposition press for attacking options.

Presses
Presses are used to put pressure on the opposition to dictate the flow of the game by restricting the opposition's options, with the aim to force mistakes and therefore a turnover in possession. The key concept is to shape the press to force the opposition into predetermined areas of the pitch where the opposition are weaker, or that the pressing team can control. This requires reaction to the changing nature of the game, and individual's strengths on the pitch.

The correct press requires an instant appreciation of the situation on the pitch, the flow of the game and the strengths of the opposition. A press that worked well a few moments ago may be inappropriate in the new situation.

A defensive press can quickly be turned into an attacking opportunity should the ball be intercepted, enabling attacking from high positions and from deep.

In order to set an efficient press, the players have to understand the role of each player in the press, the lines of running, the angles of potential passes and deflections, and the movement required to be made to set a second phase press following a successful pass being completed by the opposition.

Additionally, the weaknesses of the press need to be identified - the spaces within the press and behind the press, and the effect of lead runs, deflections and aerials. These concepts apply equally for setting presses to try to eliminate weaknesses, and for breaking down the opposition's press.

The Tactical Approach
The tactical approach chosen for the season will take some getting used to. The players need time to adapt to the new concepts both individually and and as a unit. Given time and practice, adapting the formation and tactics employed to suit the squad will bring with it success.

Coaching point:
* Setting a press, the opposition should be forced high and wide, away from danger areas and into areas of the pitch identified as capable of being squashed in order to break down play and recover possession to launch a counter-attack
* Breaking down an opposition press, the aim should be to shift the press and to stretch it so that gaps can appear to be exploited. Aerials, deflections, and short passes can be used to defeat the press. However, the best method is to take the set piece as soon as possible before the press has been correctly set.

Lets practise!