FootballThe tactics glossary.
Explore tactical concepts with original diagrams, common misconceptions, and practice ideas. Definitions and explanations use English throughout.
32 terms · page 1/2. Looking for a specific term? Use search.
Between the lines
Between the lines in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
Structure & rolesBox midfield
Understand box midfield in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
AttackBuildup play
Buildup play in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
TransitionsCounter-pressing
Understand counter-pressing in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
TransitionsCounterattack
Counterattack in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
DefenseCover shadow
Understand cover shadow in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
AttackCutback pass
Cutback pass in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
DefenseDefensive block
Understand defensive block in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefenseDefensive compactness
Defensive compactness in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
SpaceDepth
Understand depth in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
Structure & rolesDouble pivot
Understand double pivot in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
Data & metricsExpected goals (xG)
Understand expected goals (xg) in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
SpaceFinal third
Final third in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
SpaceHalf-space
Understand half-space in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefenseHigh press
Understand high press in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
Structure & rolesInverted fullback
Understand inverted fullback in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefenseLow block
Understand low block in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefenseMid-block
Understand mid-block in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
AttackNumerical overload
Understand numerical overload in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
AttackOverlap
Understand overlap in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
Data & metricsPPDA: passes allowed per defensive action
Understand ppda: passes allowed per defensive action in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefensePressing
Understand pressing in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.
DefensePressing trigger
Pressing trigger in football: a plain-English definition, what to watch, a practical example, and the limits of the concept.
TransitionsRest defense
Understand rest defense in football: how to recognize it, read the diagram, avoid common mistakes, and test the idea.