

Out of possession: whether or not a team can defend a player, space or the ball.
#Tactical soccer definition full
a team might struggle to access their full back in the initial build-up stage because the opposition’s winger presses the centre back whilst keeping the full back in his cover shadow. In possession: whether or not a team can find a player or space with the ball. Tactical terms AccessĪccess has different connotations depending on whether a team has possession or not. This should be really helpful for coaches, analysts and bloggers alike. The two midfielders will have to focus on good ball receptions and moving the ball as efficiently as possible from one end of the field to the other.Ever felt lost reading tactical analysis? Here are some commonly used, nerdy football terms along with definitions and examples. Our exercise "Controlled Passing Game in tight space" will make a good warm-up drill for your team. Small-sided games are perfectly suited for that. The conditional components, such as explosiveness and soccer-specific endurance, must be successfully combined with the technical requirements of the passing game. These requirements must now be implemented in your drills. Explosiveness is also of great use after an intercepted pass as it will help the midfielder to immediately switch to counter-pressing or alternatively to move back to a defensive position. The central position on the pitch also requires explosiveness, which will allow the player to release into open space immediately after playing a pass and therefore supporting the attack. They must constantly distribute the ball over short and medium-long distances, if possible with both feet equally well, and thus be the leader of the combination play. The scientific data clearly shows that central midfielders are characterized by highly developed passing skills. The numbers show impressively the increasing importance of ball possession and the associated high-quality passing game in modern-day football. At the same time, the ratio of completed passes increased by 7%. In the 2012/13 season central midfielders played up to 4 times as many short passes (<10m) and up to 10 times as many passes over a distance of 11-24m as in the 2006/07 season. Besides the improved running performance, the pass stats show an impressive increase as well. 783m per game as the second highest among all positions. Additionally, the total distance covered at high-intensity speed by central midfielders increased by about 34% and ranks with approx. Over the course of seven Premier League seasons, the number of explosive sprints rose from an average of 11 to 29 per game, for this position. However, this change does not only take place subjectively, it can also be substantiated by numbers as shown by numerous studies. His significant role in the combination play is reflected by a high number of passes played, which makes him the offensive leader of a team. The modern central midfielder stands out due to high total distance covered and a lot of explosive sprints. The gained variety of the game also has an effect on the physical demands of the players.

Depending on the strategy they will be more offensive, other times more defensive or act as an “In-between player” like Toni Kroos. The tasks of a #6 can vary a lot in modern tactics. While a clear distinction was made in the past between #6s, #8s and #10s, the positions now seem to blend in. The importance of the central midfield position in modern-day soccer also leads to changes in the position-specific requirements. Especially #6s are controlling the attack like a Quarterback and play a key role in the implementation of their team’s game plan. In addition to a number of defensive tasks, they lead the offensive gameplay after receiving the ball from the center backs. They literally strengthen the team in its core and are characterized by constantly being in position to receive and pass the ball. In addition to individual ability these stats are also a result of De Bruyne’s position.Ĭentral midfielders are the link between defense and attack. His style of play shows a high degree of creativity, quickness and, above all, efficiency, making him a valuable player on both sides of the ball. After 32 games in the current Premier League Season De Bruyne ranks third in passes, second in ball touches and first in tackles among all Man City players. 17 is playing a world-class season and shows why especially the central midfielders are known as all-rounder. When currently looking for the best central midfielders in the world you can barely get past Kevin de Bruyne.
