Team Play and Tactics

Introduction

Football has undergone rapid change over the past ten years. The rules of the game are continually being updated. In recent times we have witnessed the introduction of the four-man interchange, the order-off rule, out of bounds on the full, time wasting infringements and the 50-metre penalty.

Players too, have become more versatile with fitness and skill levels at an all-time high. Advances in the coaching area have seen an increased emphasis on tactics as coaches strive to gain an incisive edge over their opposition.

Prior to the start of a new season, a coach should analyse the previous season, setting down the team's strengths and weaknesses. Potential recruits can then be approached to fill shortcomings in the team and develop the team plan.

 

Styles of Play
It is normal practice for a coach to commence with a style of play that best suits the players at his disposal.

Ultimately, the style of play adopted by a coach will be dependent on how well a style of play maximises the team's strength. A team may even incorporate a mixture of the following styles of play.

1. Long kicking to key forwards
A team with high marking mobile forwards will maximise scoring opportunities by moving the ball quickly out of the centre, kicking long into the forward line.

2. Running, possession game
The coach of a small to medium sized team will adopt a running game, with short passing and handball to maintain possession.

3. Defensive game
A team with a strongly disciplined backline working together can move the ball forward into attack.

 

The Team Plan
A team plan is simply a game plan for a match. It consists of two points:

Basics

• Rules that do not change

Every coach should have his own set of basic rules. Listed below are a few examples of these team basics:

• Play in front
• Guard the mark
• Punch from behind
• Centre the ball from the forward pockets

A coach should clearly outline a collection of basic rules to be followed by his team. This is particularly important for coaches of junior and youth teams.

Not only should these basics be clearly explained they should also be reinforced both at training and on match day. Basics form the foundation of the team plan.

Tactics

• These can vary from week to week depending upon a variety of factors e.g. the opposition, ground size and condition, weather and players available for selection.

The implementation of set plays on the football ground generally revolve around 'dead ball' situations, e.g. out of bounds, centre bounce and after a behind has been scored.

 

Know Why!
Team plans and tactics are a vital part of modern day football. However, a well prepared coach:

1. Ensures that all players understand and believe in what is required. Every play is carefully explained and all possible variations fully discussed.

2. Understands that all plays must be practised and rehearsed carefully.

3. Avoids major tactical switches during a match which will only add confusion to the team.

4. Realises that junior players should be taught skills, with tactics becoming important as age increases and standard of competition improves.

A good coach leaves nothing to chance. He takes time and effort to develop a team plan and tactics to help his players become a strong unit on the ground.

He has the ability to communicate his plan to the players so they can implement them with confidence. This will enable him to move towards his main objective - to coach the best team in the competition.

 

1. Team Set-Ups
Traditionally football has been played with five lines of three players plus three players running on the ball. The increased versatility of footballers today combined with the importance of the mid-field area has lead to a move away from the more established line ups.

One such variation is the five-man forward line. This formation allows extra space for a key forward while relocating an extra player in the mid-field area.

2. Centre Bounce
Few can argue the importance of winning the ball at the centre bounce and taking it out of the centre square. Quick movement of the ball from the centre assists the forwards by leaving them 'one out' against an opponent. Examples of centre bounce formations are:

(a) 'Best Players In'
Given the importance of the bounce in the centre circle, the most aggressive ball players should be involved in the contest. This may mean leaving a skilful rover out of the square for the centre bounce.

(b) 'Man Up'
An alternative approach is to have your players 'man up' the opposition at the centre bounce. They should be instructed to stand between the opposition and the ball. This tactic is often used as a defensive measure when the opposition has scored two or three quick goals.

3. Kick Outs
Traditionally the full back delivered the ball long out of the danger zone, directing it towards a high marking ruckman. Today, with the emphasis on possession football, kick out strategies are employed in an effort to maintain possession or restrict the opposition when they have the ball.

 

Defence

With the opposition kicking out, two main forms of defence are possible.

(a) Man on Man
In its simplest form each player picks up an opponent and follows him closely to prevent a lead or an easy mark.

(b) Zone Defence
The zone defence, based on a tactic employed in basketball, involves crowding an area to restrict movement into an open space. For example, the seven man defence has players evenly distributed in 'open spaces' in an attempt to restrict opposition leading into these areas.

Offence

Kicking out from full back becomes an important consideration simply because you are in possession of the ball.

• All players must have a role to play and be fully aware of their responsibility.
• The ground and weather conditions, along with the age and standard of the competition, will determine the tactics adopted.
• The player kicking off must be able to read the situation and select the best option.
• Ultimately this will depend on the tactics of the opposition and whether they adopt a zone defence or play man on man.
• A simple kick out strategy to combat a zone defence involves 'flooding a zone'.
• Players are directed to one area to outnumber the opposition, thereby improving their chance of maintaining possession.
• Kick out drills, whether offensive or defensive, require a great deal of practice and rehearsal.
• The pre-season period is the time to introduce and develop your teams kick out strategies.
• They can be further refined and expanded during normal in-season training.

 

Summary

• Understand the various styles of play to assist the coach in developing a game plan.
• Recognise the importance of the basics of football as a foundation of teamwork.
• Recognise various set plays that can be used on the football field.

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