Let's Talk About Tactics

I've been meaning to write an article on tactics for a few days now, admittedly after England's exit from EURO 2012.

I wanted to point out a few things that seem obvious to me when playing football that the England team just couldn't seem to work out. What is also interesting is that beyond the England team, English players generally seem to function in a game the same way the national team does. For example, I play casually once a week with a group of lads on a 6 aside pitch. I also recently, while I was at university in term time played in a competitive two tier competition. Something that I noticed from every player and team (bar one) when in possession is that they all run away from the man with the ball.

This was the case against Italy, every time we won possession the midfield and forwards would run up the pitch towards the Italian goal leaving the back four to deal with the ball when faced with a pressing front Italian line. This resulted in lumping it up to Carroll. To be fair he did win the ball every time but nothing was done with it. There was not patience on the ball and there was no composure, it seemed like the players were in a rush to get the ball forward. The score was 0-0, there was no rush. Ashley Cole completed the most passes that game (44).

The main problem here is that when players run from the ball it leaves the man in possession with a severe lack of options. Normally the goal keeper has to receive it as such and once again a long ball is seen. If you watch English players on the ball at any level, unless coached and drilled otherwise, he will dwell on the ball, he will take as long as possible on the ball before making a simple pass. This is because of two things - one - he is looking for that long ball to the front man the moment he receives it - two - he is looking to take his man on to push the ball forward.

A man who takes a long time on the ball when a short pass is on is stagnating an attacking move, allowing the opposition to position itself and become familiar with the threat and most critically allows the opponents to close the man on the ball down.

While the ball is moving, no matter how short a distance, from one player to another the opposition is constantly reacting to the threat - which is the ball. In order for this to work the man in possession's team mates must come short, every single time, and in numbers. The game should be played where the ball is.

If you look at the Spanish play they have 4 or more men within 10-15 yards of the ball. The distance between the last man and the most advanced man is rarely over 40 yards meaning the Spanish have players in abundance to pass to.

Another point is that the most important man in a game isn't the one on the ball but the men that are off it, unless you are Messi, but even he lives more to that principal. You can only take care of yourself in a game which is a massive responsibility. When your team mate is on the ball it is your duty to go to that man and let him know you are a passing option. All players should do this. Players should look to play the ball back and forth and be patient.

We all know that without the ball a team gets more tired so why rush your time with the ball? The Spanish are an extreme example as they all possess exceptional ability. But in footballing terms they make the English look stupid. You don't need technical ability to run to your team mate and stand somewhere where there isn't an opponent or at least keep moving into areas where there aren't. If you can't pass a ball in a straight line at a decent pace professional's shouldn't be pro's. Pass and move is such an over used phrase but in it's simplest form it is most true.

Get close to the ball, move around the ball, receive the ball and play the ball quickly. Play like the ball is an addictive hot potato. The first pass is your best pass, if your looking for a pass that you can't see straight away then it probably isn't worth passing it there. Once you have passed the ball get into a position that you can be easily located, and do not be afraid to pass back. Don't make a 40 yard run, make a 10 yard run.

These are things that I have noticed within football and the English game. I do enjoy the tactical side so I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea. Do the rest of you see sense in what I am saying? If you have read this far I commend you.