Tactics Journal

by Kyle Boas

Analyzing football tactics

Key

last updated: 8 August 2024

This a reference to use when reading which defines the symbols and football terms used in my writing.

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Symbols

These are the symbols I use on my tactics board with definitions for each symbol.

The scoreboard which shows the date the match was played, the score with the team's names abbreviated, and the minute or half the play is depicting.

The player.

The football.

The path the ball has taken or will take, with an arrow depicting where the ball has moved or will move.

The direction or path a player is dribbling the ball, with an arrow depicting where the player has moved or will move.

The direction or path of an attacking player, with an arrow depicting where the player has moved or will move.

The direction or path of a player defending, with an arrow depicting where the player has moved or will move.


Pitch

back line noun The last line of players between the rest of the players in the outfield and the goalkeeper.

back-two noun A defensive line made up of two defenders

back-three noun A defensive line made up of three defenders

back-four noun A defensive line made up of four defenders.

back-five noun A defensive line made up of five defenders.

corner noun The area on the left or right side of the pitch next to the penalty area.

half-space noun The space between the edge of the penalty area to the outside edge of the center circle.

halfway line noun The line that marks where one half of the field ends and the other half of the field begins.

infield noun The area between the penalty area, stretching the entire pitch, from the left to the right edge of the either side of the penalty area.

front line noun The first line of players in front of the rest of the team.

line noun A group of players who play in a specific position or role together inline with each other on the pitch.

out-wide noun The area of the pitch from the touchline to the half-space.

wing noun The entire left or right side of the pitch, particularly the area near the touchline.


Positions

Forwards

center-forward noun Also known as a striker or nine, is a forward player who plays in the central attacking position, typically closest to the opponent's goal. Their primary role is to score goals and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.

second striker noun A forward player who plays alongside a center-forward. Their primary role is to provide support to the main striker, create scoring opportunities, and score goals themselves

winger noun A type of forward who plays on the left or right side of the midfield or forward line. Their primary role is to support the team's attack by providing width, pace, and crossing opportunities from the flanks.

inverted forward noun A winger who inverts infield towards the center-forwards.

inverted winger noun A winger who inverts into the midfield to almost act as a center midfielder.

Midfielders

anchor noun A defensive midfielder that stays central at the base of the midfield behind the rest of the midfielder or forwards.

attacking midfielder noun Also known as a ten, is a midfielder who creates scoring opportunities for themselves and others, often playing behind the forwards. They provide creativity and vision in the final third.

center midfielder noun Also known as an eight, is a midfielder who positions themselves ahead of the defense and behind the forwards.

defensive midfielder noun Also known as a six, is a midfielder at the base of the midfield responsible for dictating the pace of play, finding passes forward to the other midfielders or forwards, and winning back the ball ahead of the defenders.

outside midfielder noun Also known as a left or right midfielder, this player operates on the wing, positioned between where a winger and a left-back typically play, running up and down the wing to help in both defense and attack.

holding midfielder noun A midfielder that positions themselves ahead of the defensive line and behind the attacking midfielders or forwards.

Defenders

center-back noun A defensive player who plays in the middle of the defense, typically responsible for winning headers, clearing the ball, and marking opponents in the penalty area.

outside center-back noun A center-back that plays to the left or right of a center-back in a back-three.

inverted center-back noun A center-back that inverts into the midfield when their teams has possession.

fullback noun A player who's starting position is on the defensive line, typically on the left or right side of the defense. They are usually responsible for defending against the opponent's wingers and providing width to the team's defense.

wing-back noun A player who's starting position is on the defensive line, and their team is using


Other Terms

back-foot adjective A defensive position or stance where an individual or an entire team is forced to retreat or move backwards to defend against an opponent's attack.

ball carrier adjective The player who is dribbling with the ball.

check to the ball verb To move towards the ball carrier to position your body in a way where you can receive the ball.

combine verb To move and come together to pass the ball between two or more players.

drop verb To move backwards towards your own goal or the ball.

formation noun A specific arrangement or structure of a team's players on the field, including their positions and roles.

hold width verb To remain near or on the touch-line to help stretch the opposition defense by forcing them to move into the wide areas.

invert verb To move from a wide position to a position infield.

isolate verb To separate a player from the rest of their team to force them to defend attack one or more opposition players.

pin verb To force a player from the opposing team to stay in one specific position on the pitch.

pocket noun An area of space between three or more opposition defenders.

sit verb To occupy one area of space or one position on the pitch without moving out of that position.

space noun An unoccupied territory on the field that a player can exploit to gain an advantage.

structure noun The organization and arrangement of players on the field in terms of their positions, roles, and responsibilities.


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