TACTICAL MISTAKES

Throughout a football match, both fundamental and highly specific mistakes regularly occur. These errors can arise in structured phases of play — such as set-piece situations, organized defense, or attacking buildup — or emerge spontaneously during transitional moments. Sometimes, a single moment of indecision or poor positioning is enough to shift the momentum of the entire game.

This page is dedicated to identifying and dissecting such tactical mistakes. Each article will not only describe the nature of the error but will also use visual analysis to explore its underlying causes and offer practical solutions for preventing it.

1-) ONE POSITIONAL MISTAKE: Poor Box Defending

If a centre-back is the closest defender to a striker making a run into the box, his primary objective must be to get goal-side and block the passing lane or limit the shooting angle. In one-versus-one situations, attackers generally possess superior footwork, ball control, and decision-making skills. Any delay by the defender often results in the attacker either beating him with a dribble or improving the shooting angle without needing to dribble at all. The only exception to this is when the striker is on his weaker foot and the shooting angle is already narrow — in that case, stepping in front might not be necessary. Read More...

2-) 3V3: TRANSITION MISTAKES FROM ATTACK TO DEFENCE

Teams caught in a 3v3 situation in their own half due to a single long ball often face this scenario for one of three reasons:

1- Both fullbacks have advanced, and a defensive midfielder has dropped between the centre-backs to form a defensive line.

2- One fullback has pushed forward while the remaining three defenders have shifted toward the side where the advancing fullback is positioned, staying in their own half.

3- Following a set piece, the team has left fast but short players behind, who have regrouped centrally in a disorganized manner. Read More...

3-) BACK POST NEGLECT: Full-Back Positioning Mistakes in Box Defending

Full-backs carry an immense tactical load—required to stretch the pitch in attack, recover ground in transitions, and maintain spatial discipline in deep defensive phases. Yet within this complex role, one particular scenario continues to expose even the most experienced full-backs: their positioning inside the box when defending crosses from the opposite side. This moment, often occurring in the chaos of a developing play, tests a full-back’s ability to stay disciplined while under pressure to support the central defensive line. Read More...