October Bulletin 2023 | Page 11

quite complex and difficult to follow . Due to the translation across languages the terminology applied to the tactical knowledge concepts does not reflect terms applied within the game . Subsequently , it becomes challenging for coaches to access the required information to build their model . Therefore , this article explores an alternative GM approach and will discuss key tactical concepts for a coach to consider . Furthermore , a secondary article will follow and discuss the impact of the coaching domain , player capabilities , and significant others on building a GM .
The coach ’ s ideas and vision of the game form an integral part when designing a GM . A coach will have a number of ideas of the game that will impact upon their GM such as ; personal values , beliefs , playing and coaching experience , preferred principles , styles , and systems .
Tactical Concepts
Several authors recommend that a Game Model ( GM ) should be developed based on the logical structure of the game , defined as the moments of the game . Delgado- Bordonau et al ., ( 2012 ) defined the four key moments ; the offensive organisation ( in possession ), defensive organisation ( out of possession ), the transition from defence to attack , and the transition from attack to defence . In addition , Hewitt et al ., ( 2016 ) proposed a fifth moment of the game : set plays ( i . e ., free-kicks , thrown-ins , goalkicks , corner kicks and penalty kicks ). These moments are a significant factor for coaches when designing a GM , hence coaches should have a clear plan of how the team will apply themselves in each moment of the game .
Due to the highly complex and random nature of soccer , it is proposed each moment be further broken down into smaller and more manageable areas defined as submoments of the game . By dividing the pitch into three sub-moments , coaches can focus on individual players and units within each specific sub-moment . Therefore , it is proposed that coaches should divide the game into three horizontal phases , comprising of the defending , midfield , and attacking third , which form the sub-moments of the game shown in figure 2 .
The principles of play are fundamental to the moments and sub-moments of the game and are applied to every attacking , defending , and transition moment . When designing a GM , a coach needs to establish how their team will apply the relevant principles associated with each moment . For example , when attempting to form an attack to create a goalscoring opportunity the coach needs to consider how the team will apply the five attacking principles ( penetration , support , create space ,
October Bulletin | 11