Tactical Periodization in Football Explained Simply!

Hello and a warm welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics take center stage:

1. ⚽Tactical Periodization

2. 📽️Video Recommendation for the Weekend

3. ❓Survey

⚽Tactical Periodization

Let's collectively delve into the captivating realm of Tactical Periodization – a concept that places tactics at the heart of training, ensuring a comprehensive engagement of players.

What is tactical periodization?

The idea is simple: Training should revolve around tactics, and exercises should not only incorporate tactical aspects but also address the demands on players' psyche, technical skills, and physical fitness. This approach creates a realistic training design closely resembling actual gameplay.

The Origins:

The concept was developed in the 1980s by Vitor Frade, a Portuguese football coach who taught at the University of Porto and gained practical experience with FC Porto. Through his students, successful coaches André Villas-Boas and multiple Champions League winner José Mourinho, Tactical Periodization became widely known in the football world.

Tactical Perspective on the Game:

The game itself is divided into four central phases from a tactical standpoint:

• Possession of the ball

• Opponent's ball possession

• Moment of ball recovery

• Moment of ball loss

Each phase is subdivided based on the team's tactical model into various principles, subprinciples, and sub-sub-principles. The overarching principle typically describes the team's tactical behavior, the subprinciples encompass group tactical behavior, and the sub-sub-principles address the individual tactical behavior of the involved players.

An Example:

Game Phase: Defensive Behavior:

• Principle: High Pressing with Zonal Marking.

• Subprinciple: Directing and isolating the opponent to the side.

• Sub-Sub-Principle: The winger attacks from a deeper position with pace, while the central midfielder secures the half-space.

Each training exercise should be designed to incorporate at least one of these aspects, promoting targeted development of the players.

The 8 Methodological Principles of Tactical Periodization:

1. Targeted Exercises:

   All exercises should be directly related to the game.

2. Implementation of the Game Idea:

   How to apply my tactical vision in different phases of the game?

3. Structured Division:

   Clearly divide into principles, subpoints, and further details for a simple structure.

4. Diverse Training:

   Varied adaptation of intensity and types of exercises.

5. Consistent Performance:

   Aim for consistent performance stability throughout the season.

6. Practical Movements:

   Training should promote movements that are relevant in the game.

7. Gradual Training Build-Up:

   Systematic and gradual development of the training process.

8. Variation of Load and Focus:

   Different intensities and focus in training sessions.

What does it achieve?

The result is a continuous evolution and increase in the complexity of one's own game. Week by week, teams and players improve, and Tactical Periodization provides a clear structure for these advancements.

For tactical development, head and assistant coaches can coach different principles to cover both offensive and defensive aspects. It's a bit like a tactical game of ping-pong: the offensive coach introduces an offensive principle, and the defensive coach responds with a defensive principle.

📽️Video Recommendation for the Weekend

Ralf Rangnick: Behind the Scenes of His Football World:

In the following video, he provides intriguing insights into his coaching strategies, tactical tricks, and the crucial role of player data. Exciting topics for all football enthusiasts! ⚽

Enjoy watching!

❓Survey

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