How Modern Football Tactics Are Changing the Game Forever
The modern football world is incredibly different from the 20th-century one, with a range of factors contributing to the sport’s growth. Modern tacticians have drastically transformed football; whether it is new formations, play styles, or player roles, the game has never been so important off the pitch. Coaching roles have never been as important as they are today, with new roles being created that have elevated the sport in their own right. Not only have these modern tactics changed the sport, but they have also impacted football betting markets. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable footballing tactics that have shaped the sport and will continue to do so.
Why Tactical Flexibility Matters More Than Ever
In football in the 20th century, there was limited tactical variation and flexibility, with many managers setting up in basic 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations. In these times, it was rare for managers to change their strategy mid-game, often sticking with their initial approach and failing to adapt to opponents’ strengths. Teams would focus on their own game in these times, trusting in their ability to overcome teams with technical skill rather than in a mental battle between the managers.
Modern football is like a game of chess between managers, with countless tactical styles available. Players in the modern era have to be well-versed in football tactics, so they can change them mid-game if something isn’t going as expected. Often, a change in tactics can catch opponents by surprise, tipping the balance of the game and potentially snatching a result against a stronger team.
The Rise of High Pressing in Modern Football
For many teams in the modern era, pressing-based football is at the core of their tactics, placing strong emphasis on winning the ball in dangerous areas high up the pitch. As the old saying goes, the attack starts with the defence, and this has never been truer in modern football. ‘Gegenpress’ is a tactical revolution that has transformed modern football, and is largely down to Jurgen Klopp, who showcased its success at Liverpool. The philosophy is not as simple as pressing and winning the ball back; it is about trapping opponents in uncomfortable areas, winning the ball in the final third, and immediately counterattacking. Although pressing football has been a constant feature throughout the history of the sport, the unity between the attack line, midfield, and defence made Gegenpressing so efficient.
Inverted Fullbacks and the Redefinition of Defensive Roles
Defenders in the modern era are required to boast incredible technical ability compared to previous years, with calmness on the ball dictating play from the defence. Regardless of the system or the team’s level, defenders’ expectations have changed massively in recent times, with those stuck in the old ways considered weak links. Defenders in the 20th century had a sole purpose to defend, with limited other functions, and long balls were more common than in modern times.
Full-backs have undergone one of the largest tactical changes in recent times, becoming a key role in both attack and defence in the modern era. Full-backs in the 21st century have one of the most important and physically demanding roles on the pitch. They require a strong understanding of when to commit offensively and when to take up space centrally in the pitch. The ‘Inverted Fullback’ has grown in recent years, with many tactics requiring full-backs to take up more central roles on the pitch, providing an extra body in the midfield. This tactical revolution often wins the midfield battle by overloading the centre of the pitch in possession, providing additional balance whilst creating space on the flanks.
Set Pieces Rebirth
Set Pieces have undergone a radical transformation in modern football, now featuring as high-percentage attacks and being incredibly valuable for many teams. Many modern teams have dedicated set-piece analysts and coaches, whose entire job role is to perfect set pieces, which has proved fruitful for many. These coaches will study the attributes of opposing teams, identify their aerial threats, and expose their weaknesses. Corners in the modern era are rehearsed similarly to NFL plays, with decoy runs, blockers, and specific situations players know to react to. Teams such as Arsenal have perfected set pieces in recent years, making them one of the most dangerous threats the current Premier League title leaders pose.
Additionally, as of the last year or so, the ‘Long Throw’ has returned after a long hiatus. Perfected by, and regularly credited to Rory Delap, the long throw was once seen as an incredible skill for Stoke City in the Barclays era of the Premier League. Many teams in the modern era have revitalised the long throw, delivering fast, flat throws into the penalty area, making it difficult to defend. Football in England went through a period of short throw-ins in the final third, with teams preferring to keep the ball rather than risk a potentially dangerous attack. The return of the long throw has caused carnage in the box for many, as its flat trajectory makes it hard to defend, with any small touches goalward making defenders panic.