Tactical Training

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

1. ⚽Tactical Training

2. 👉2 New Exercises

3. 😯 Goal of the Week

⚽Tactical Training

Ideally, tactical training should follow the principle of orienting players based on spaces, not positions. The first step in players' tactical development is to provide a fundamental understanding of tactical processes, including the purpose and logic behind these processes, up to practicing basic tactical patterns. The second step is to impart a foundational tactical understanding to the players. The third and final step is for players to develop an intuitive tactical sense for the game, enabling them to make the right decisions with high flexibility in any game situation.

Therefore, tactical training is strongly oriented towards the game situation and is always conducted from the perspective of spaces and positions. In this process, the coach explains to the players the tactical behavior based on the current game situation, the possible decisions, and the subsequent actions, allowing time for the players to practice.

It's important to recognize that tactical training is primarily a training for the brain, which therefore places specific demands on the psyche and cognition. In the context of tactical periodization, training in tactics, technique, psychology, and athleticism should ideally be conducted in a holistic manner. This holistic approach is crucial because all four elements are interconnected. Therefore, all four aspects should be integrated into every exercise.

Tactical Content:

• Playing in and out of tight spaces

• Transition play

• Ball control

• Pressing (various types)

• Counter-pressing

• Changing the game rhythm including adaptation

• Game control

• Space control

• Opponent control

• Implementing game principles

• Counter-attacking

• Possession play

• Approaching, directing, positioning, pressing

• Spatial awareness

The main focus of tactical training is on coaching behavior both in possession of the ball and while defending, as well as during transitional moments. Players should be provided with tools to find (possible) answers to the following questions:

Positioning:

• What space am I occupying? - Both offensively and defensively

• What is my position in relation to teammates, opponents, and the ball?

• What is my body and foot positioning?

• Where am I running? How can I create space for myself/my teammate most effectively?

• Layering

Moments of Action:

• When do I break away from the opponent into space?

• When do I create a new space for myself/my teammate by making a run?

• When do I form a triangle shape with teammates?

• When do I press? When do I hold back and wait?

• When do I play a long pass? When is it better to play wide instead?

Direction of Action:

• Anticipation/shoulder check

• Perception of free spaces is crucial.

• When do I advance? When do I create separation?

Speed of Action:

• When do I change the tempo or rhythm?

• When should I make a forward move? When should I hold back or wait?

The goal is for players and the team to be able to find answers to all game situations. A crucial criterion for this is the ability to make smart decisions. Therefore, the game forms, training methods, and exercises should be designed in a way that constantly presents players with decisions. By repeatedly encountering similar, game-like situations, they will be enabled to solve these situations intelligently or creatively.

However, this also carries the risk of fixed tactical patterns becoming ingrained and developing a tactical routine that allows the opponent to anticipate one's game, leading to a decline in performance

Therefore, it is important not to let a tactical routine develop but to continually introduce new impulses. By changing the spaces, the number of players, the overall game situation, and varying the touch requirements, you can effectively counteract this effect. This approach prevents monotony. Continuously introducing new incentives helps maintain excitement and promotes creativity.

Training Formats:

Basic Games:

• Introducing tactical focuses through simplified game forms

• Training game content for the upcoming opponent

Team Play Exercises:

• Game forms with fundamental goals of space division, distribution, and control

Group Games:

• Targeted tactical training for specific team components

Tournament Formats:

• Competition-like intensity

• Motivation (tournament format, without tactical coaching) and

• Team Building

👉2 New Exercises

2 new exercises are out. Get unlimited access to all existing and upcoming videos with our monthly or yearly subscription.

Exercises:

• Passing Square Drill

• Square Cross Finish

😯 Goal of the Week

Atalanta Bergamo - Olympique Marseille - Matteo Ruggeri

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