
5.1 Combined team play using width and depth: Brazil vs Italy, 1970 Final. 3.6 "Forward" versus "collapsing" defences. For this reason, tactics are an important part of getting the most out of the full 90 minutes of play (plus stoppage time) in each game. This is due to the relatively prolonged sessions of play (2x45 minutes of continuous play in a game), the relatively large size of the pitch (standard size 105圆8 meters or 7140 square meters) as well as the limited number of changes a team has at their disposal (3 or 5 changes á team per game). In terms of complexity, lower levels of the game such as youth leagues, amateur leagues and semi-professional leagues usually focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game, primarily, whereas higher levels of the game, as it regards to professional football teams, usually increase complexity and level of detail in strategy of the game.Īssociation football is in general (when compared to other sports) an energy-conserving play. Other skills taught individually are jockeying for defenders, and shot stopping for goalkeepers. Other skills taught to players on an individual level are dribbling, heading the ball and ball control for receiving the ball. Īs an association football team consists of ten outfield players and one goalkeeper, passing is an integral part of game strategy, and is taught to players from a young age. #Tactical soccer plays manuals#
Manuals and books generally cover not only individual skills but tactics as well. Well-organised and ready teams are often seen beating teams with more skillful players on paper. However, tactical prowess within the sport is a craftsmanship of its own, and one of the reasons why managers are paid well on the elite level. Football is in theory a very simple game, as illustrated by Kevin Keegan's famous assertion that his tactics for winning a match were to "score more goals than the opposition".
Team tactics and Individual skills both are necessities in order to play association football.