Glossary · Tactics
Football tactics glossary
Every tactical concept you'll hear from modern football commentary, explained in plain English. 12 entries and counting.
False 9
A centre-forward who drops deep into midfield to drag defenders out of position and create space behind.
Gegenpressing
A high-intensity pressing scheme that tries to win the ball back within seconds of losing it, high up the pitch.
High line
Pushing the defensive line close to the halfway line to compress the pitch and sustain pressure.
Low block
Defending with all 10 outfield players compact inside your own half, inviting pressure to hit on the counter.
Counter-attack
A fast transition from defending to attacking, aimed at exploiting space before the opponent can regroup.
Tiki-taka
A short-passing, positional style that keeps possession and moves the opponent until gaps open.
Inverted winger
A winger who plays on the opposite side of their strong foot to cut inside and shoot.
Inverted full-back
A full-back who steps into midfield when the team has the ball, rather than overlapping out wide.
Man-marking
A defensive scheme where each defender is responsible for a specific opponent rather than a zone.
Zonal marking
A defensive scheme where defenders cover zones of the pitch rather than specific players.
Overlapping run
A run from deep, from outside the winger, to provide width and attacking support.
Pressing trap
A coordinated press that invites the opponent to play into a specific area and then suffocates them there.
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