Position in the field and the relative position to the opponent are central to understand and develop football from a tactical perspective. The player needs concentration and intelligence and acknowledging that the game slightly differs for different age categories where the number of players, the size of the pitch and the rules vary.

The tactical aspect breaks down into two: defensive tactic, when the player has not the ball, and offensive tactic when the team has the ball.

Defensive tactics will aim to prevent the progression of the opponent and try to recover the ball as soon as possible in order to transition from defence to attack. This tactic is more rigid and strict where players have more standardized and automated movements.

The offensive tactic aims to achieve the goal, in this case, the player has much more freedom, the creativity and decision-making player is encouraged. The movements are more unpredictable and the coach gives to the player “freedom with guidelines”.