TACTICAL THEORY: OFFENSIVE GROUP TACTICS

 GROUP OFFENSIVE TACTICS

 Offensive group tactics have played a significant role since the integration of tactical elements in football. The primary objective is to cultivate a cohesive unit of players, enhancing their connections, mutual comprehension, and practical game scenarios. The evolution of positional play, particularly following Spain's triumph in the 2008 Euros, has rendered these tactics essential in daily training routines.

Group tactics concern the decision-making of a small group of players like:
2 Forwards work together to create space by making complementary runs
3 Midfielders work in a zone defense.
GK and Back 4 + DM work together to play out from the back with short passes etc.

In essence, group tactics encompass both tactical and technical dimensions of play.

When isolating the tactical components of group tactics, we can identify several key elements, including:
- Third-man combinations
- Dynamic positioning
- Utilizing an open player to past the pressure

Delving deeper into each category, it is vital to translate these theoretical concepts into practical applications.

3RD MAN COMBINATIONS

This term has gained prominence among top coaches in recent years as a fundamental principle within their game models. Historically, combinations have been an inherent aspect of football; however, as tactical development has progressed, coaches have begun to emphasize these moments as critical during specific phases of the game. Third-man combinations can be categorized into three distinct types:

3RD MAN WALL PASSES 

-Combination with focus to use three players with passes into the legs over the pitch.

 3RD MAN RUNS INTO THE SPACE

-Focus on three players with a final pass into the "big" or "small" space to progress the attack.

 3RD MAN LAY OFF

-Combination with the idea after a vertical pass to support and progress the ball.

DYNAMIC POSITIONING

Dynamic Positioning is part of Dynamic superiority as a Main principle in Attack. Using these movements is crucial in modern football to create and exploit the spaces. In theory, we have 5 concepts, and one of them is connected to positions as the core. I mean by that we have "static" or starting positions and "new" positions to create spaces:

POSITIONAL ROTATIONS (3-4 Players)
NEW MOVEMENTS IN PHASE OF THE GAME (2-4 Players)
OVERLOAD BETWEEN THE LINES (2-3 Players)
EXPLOIT THE SPACE IN BEHIND (2-3 Players)
GROUP SUPPORT MOVEMENTS (2-3 Players)

POSITIONAL ROTATIONS 

It is crucial to differentiate between Rotations and Changes of Position. Rotations necessitate the involvement of a minimum of three players, whereas Changes of Position typically involve only two.

OVERLOAD BETWEEN THE LINES

-Interesting group tactical tool to overload and invite pressure to use space in behind.

 EXPLOIT THE SPACE IN BEHIND

-Group principle with movements to create spaces and exploit the spaces. It can be in different areas of the pitch.

 GROUP SUPPORT MOVEMENTS

-There are several variations of group support. Active support movements can be categorized into three sub-elements: Real, False, and Backup support. Real support occurs when two players engage in a one-two play, directly participating in the action. False support may involve a third player in a combination where their involvement is indirect. Backup support refers to an option that emerges from behind or from lateral positions.

USING AN OPEN MAN TO AVOID THE PRESSURE

-In my view, this concept is primarily relevant from an analytical standpoint, although it can also be practiced in scenarios where players face pressure, enhancing their awareness of this critical moment in the game.

 In the Technical Aspect, as part of Group concepts using runs and combinations play is more narrow to two players and has basic elements:

Passing and Receiving (Direction of the pass, Type, and Timing of the pass)
Overlaps and Underlaps
Change of positions (Vertical or Horizontal)

CHANGE OF POSITIONS 

    -These movements are focused on Lateral or Vertical and it's very common in modern football.

OVERLAPS AND UNDERLAPS

-One of the basic group tactical movements. It is important to develop these movements from an early age.

KICK OFF OPINION - CONCLUSION

    Football cannot be viewed in isolation; it is essential to comprehend the theoretical concepts and subsequently integrate them into the principles of a coach's game model. The tactics employed by the offensive group in contemporary football serve as a distinguishing factor between elite and average coaches. Utilizing these concepts can enhance players' understanding of the game in relation to the principles of play and various game factors throughout different phases. Ultimately, I will endeavor to apply these concepts across the game phases to highlight the significance of offensive group tactics.

BUILD UP PLAY USING OFFENSIVE GROUP TACTICS

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