Formations and roles · Analysis
The match notebook after the floodlights
Football writing for the things worth noticing twice.
Independent match notes, tactical ideas, histories and culture—written after the noise has settled.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Second striker: the forward who plays off the number 9
A second striker plays off and just behind the main striker, linking midfield to attack and scoring. Role table, diagram, examples and how to spot one.
Latest notes
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Formations and roles · Analysis
Poacher: the striker who lives in the penalty area
Formations and roles · Analysis
Target Man: the striker the long ball is aimed at
Formations and roles · Analysis
Sweeper-Keeper: the goalkeeper who defends the space behind his back line
Formations and roles · Analysis
Goalkeeper: the last defender and the first passer
Formations and roles · Analysis
4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1: One Midfield Triangle, Turned Upside Down
- Tactics boardPick a formation, drag players, draw passes and zones, share by link.
- xG calculatorClick a shot on the pitch and get its expected goals value.
- Expected points calculatorTurn two xG totals into win, draw and loss probabilities.
- Elo calculatorWin expectancy between two Elo ratings, and the rating change after a result.
- PPDA calculatorPasses allowed per defensive action, from your own match counts.
- Formations and shirt numbersEvery formation as a numbered diagram, with each position and its role.
- Pitch and formation templatesPrintable blank pitches and formation sheets with name lines, as PNG or on A4.
Formations and roles
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Formations and roles · Analysis
Wing-Back vs Full-Back: Same Flank, Different Job
Formations and roles · Analysis
False Nine vs Striker: One Drops Off the Centre-Backs, One Stays on Them
Formations and roles · Analysis
Libero vs Centre-Back: The Free Man and the Flat Line
Formations and roles · Analysis
Single Pivot vs Double Pivot: One Holding Midfielder or Two
Glossary
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Glossary · Analysis
Shot Quality: Why the Average Chance Matters as Much as the Total
Glossary · Analysis
