Tagged
Formations and roles · Analysis
A double pivot is a pair of holding midfielders in front of the defence, most often in a 4-2-3-1. How the two split the work, and how a single pivot differs.
Formations and roles · Analysis
An inverted full-back moves into central midfield in possession instead of overlapping. Why Guardiola's teams use the role, what it protects and what it costs.
Formations and roles · Analysis
A false nine is a centre-forward who drops into midfield instead of staying on the last line. How it works, from Hidegkuti in 1953 to Messi, and what it needs.
Formations and roles · Analysis
A back three uses three centre-backs instead of two. How 3-4-3 and 3-4-2-1 systems work, why back fours turn into back threes in possession, and what it costs.
Formations and roles · Analysis
The 3-5-2 plays three centre-backs, two wing-backs, three central midfielders and two strikers. How it attacks and defends, and why the wing-backs decide it.
Formations and roles · Analysis
The 4-4-2 sets up four defenders, four midfielders and two strikers in three flat lines. Why it defends so well, where it is outnumbered, and who uses it.
Formations and roles · Analysis
The 4-2-3-1 uses four defenders, two holding midfielders, three attacking midfielders and one striker. How the double pivot and the number ten make it work.
Formations and roles · Analysis
The 4-3-3 lines up four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. How the single pivot, the two number eights and the wingers work, and where it breaks.
Glossary · Analysis
Build-up play is how a team moves the ball from goalkeeper and defenders into midfield against a press. Here's how it's shaped, measured and misread.
Glossary · Analysis
Transitions are the seconds after possession changes hands. Here's why attacking and defensive transitions produce so many chances, and how teams plan for both.
Glossary · Analysis
Pressing triggers are pre-agreed cues, like a bad touch or a back pass, that tell a team to press together. Here's how they work and what the stats miss.
Glossary · Analysis
Rest defence is the shape a team keeps behind the ball while it attacks. Here's how 2+1 and 3+2 structures work, how it pairs with counterpressing, and what data shows.
