Tactics Journal
@tacticsjournal.com
Analyzing football tactics by @kyleboas.com.
Footballers like Pirlo, Nedved, or Zico don’t exist in our mind today because we are overexposed to football. If a new movie was released by an actor every week instead of every other year, that actor would feel less special to us. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
Aliens are going extinct
Footballers like Pirlo, Nedved, or Zico don’t exist in our mind today because we are overexposed to football. If a new movie was released by an actor every week instead of every other year, that actor...
tacticsjournal.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Footballers like Pirlo, Nedved, or Zico don’t exist in our mind today because we are overexposed to football. If a new movie was released by an actor every week instead of every other year, that actor would feel less special to us. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/14/a...
It wasn’t a new camera that changed football on TV in the 90s; it was the time that persists on the scorebug. Viewers went from feeling like a member of the crowd to having their attention split between the game and a stopwatch. It ruins your immersion. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/12/t...
The persistent time on TV ruins football's immersion
It wasn’t a new camera that changed football on TV in the 90s; it was the time that persists on the scorebug. Viewers went from feeling like a member of the crowd to having their attention split betwe...
tacticsjournal.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM
It wasn’t a new camera that changed football on TV in the 90s; it was the time that persists on the scorebug. Viewers went from feeling like a member of the crowd to having their attention split between the game and a stopwatch. It ruins your immersion. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/12/t...
For the past 25 years, every Premier League champion had a talisman. It is unlikely you will finish first if you don’t have that one player to propel you to the top of the table. This could be the first year it is a defender — Gabriel for Arsenal. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/08/g...
Gabriel is Arsenal's talisman
For the past 25 years, every Premier League champion had a talisman. It is unlikely you will finish first if you don’t have that one player to propel you to the top of the table. This could be the fir...
tacticsjournal.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:18 AM
For the past 25 years, every Premier League champion had a talisman. It is unlikely you will finish first if you don’t have that one player to propel you to the top of the table. This could be the first year it is a defender — Gabriel for Arsenal. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/08/g...
When an ant can’t carry a large leaf back to the colony alone, the others step in to help. The ants are not spread apart; they are close together. In football, midfielders can starve an attack if the spacing between players is too big. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/07/m...
Midfielders need help
When an ant can’t carry a large leaf back to the colony alone, the others step in to help. The ants are not spread apart; they are close together. In football, midfielders can starve an attack if the ...
tacticsjournal.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM
When an ant can’t carry a large leaf back to the colony alone, the others step in to help. The ants are not spread apart; they are close together. In football, midfielders can starve an attack if the spacing between players is too big. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/07/m...
Teams are becoming more successful at passing long, in the air, because they are prioritizing placing more players around the header to win the second ball. You do not have to win the header, but you must win the second ball. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/04/w...
Win the second ball, not the header
Teams are becoming more successful at passing long, in the air, because they are prioritizing placing more players around the header to win the second ball. You do not have to win the header, but you ...
tacticsjournal.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Teams are becoming more successful at passing long, in the air, because they are prioritizing placing more players around the header to win the second ball. You do not have to win the header, but you must win the second ball. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/04/w...
If you want to spot trends before they happen, it is important to identify when a change of form is due to tactical changes or the execution of the tactic. In most cases, the underlying issue is the execution, not the tactic. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/02/t...
The Dip
If you want to spot trends before they happen, it is important to identify when a change of form is due to tactical changes or the execution of the tactic. In most cases, the underlying issue is the e...
tacticsjournal.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:16 AM
If you want to spot trends before they happen, it is important to identify when a change of form is due to tactical changes or the execution of the tactic. In most cases, the underlying issue is the execution, not the tactic. tacticsjournal.com/2025/11/02/t...
Since I started the Tactics Journal, I have received several dozen messages from other writers, podcasters, and video creators asking for feedback on their work before I find it myself. I ignore all of them. Here is why. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/31/g...
October 31, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Since I started the Tactics Journal, I have received several dozen messages from other writers, podcasters, and video creators asking for feedback on their work before I find it myself. I ignore all of them. Here is why. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/31/g...
I have been watching the Premier League all my life as my main source of consuming live football. I have never been less motivated to watch a match due to several team’s over reliance on long throw-ins and corners. They are playing a different sport. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/28/t...
The Exploiters
I have been watching the Premier League all my life as my main source of consuming live football. I have never been less motivated to watch a match due to several team’s over reliance on long throw-in...
tacticsjournal.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM
I have been watching the Premier League all my life as my main source of consuming live football. I have never been less motivated to watch a match due to several team’s over reliance on long throw-ins and corners. They are playing a different sport. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/28/t...
If Cody Gakpo scores either of the two shots that hit the post, or the unmarked header inside the six-yard box, Liverpool win, Ruben Amorim is struggling and sacked, and Arne Slot is challenging for a back-to-back title. But he doesn’t score. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/22/r...
Results-based analysis
If Cody Gakpo scores either of the two shots that hit the post, or the unmarked header inside the six-yard box, Liverpool win, Ruben Amorim is struggling and sacked, and Arne Slot is challenging for a...
tacticsjournal.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:18 AM
If Cody Gakpo scores either of the two shots that hit the post, or the unmarked header inside the six-yard box, Liverpool win, Ruben Amorim is struggling and sacked, and Arne Slot is challenging for a back-to-back title. But he doesn’t score. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/22/r...
We put too much emphasis on the manager’s role in the game. Sometimes the players are the problem, and sometimes they are the solution, but they are first. They are the reason the play happened, not everything is by design. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/20/p...
Putting makeup on a pig
We put too much emphasis on the manager’s role in the game. Sometimes the players are the problem, and sometimes they are the solution, but they are first. They are the reason the play happened, not e...
tacticsjournal.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:19 AM
We put too much emphasis on the manager’s role in the game. Sometimes the players are the problem, and sometimes they are the solution, but they are first. They are the reason the play happened, not everything is by design. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/20/p...
The saddest four words in football that a player can say is “Am I allowed to?” That question comes from the fear of the reprimanding voice of generations of coaches. Their voice echoes in the heads of the players, afraid to make their own decisions. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/19/a...
Am I allowed to?
The saddest four words in football that a player can say is “Am I allowed to?” That question comes from the fear of the reprimanding voice of generations of coaches. Their voice echoes in the heads of...
tacticsjournal.com
October 19, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The saddest four words in football that a player can say is “Am I allowed to?” That question comes from the fear of the reprimanding voice of generations of coaches. Their voice echoes in the heads of the players, afraid to make their own decisions. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/19/a...
The only time during a match in which multiple players can be overtly physical with their arms and hands is during a corner kick. We focus on how rehearsed set-pieces are, but that added physicality from multiple players simultaneously makes overpowered. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/12/c...
Corner kicks are overpowered
The only time during a match in which multiple players can be overtly physical with their arms and hands is during a corner kick. We focus on how rehearsed set-pieces are, but that added physicality f...
tacticsjournal.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:16 AM
The only time during a match in which multiple players can be overtly physical with their arms and hands is during a corner kick. We focus on how rehearsed set-pieces are, but that added physicality from multiple players simultaneously makes overpowered. tacticsjournal.com/2025/10/12/c...
Imagine you are a singer, comedian, speaker, any form of entertainer. Their worst nightmare is the audience leaving mid-performance. Now think of the impact a crowd leaving in the middle of a match can have on a football team. That aspect is overlooked. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/30/i...
Is this a fire drill
Imagine you are a singer, comedian, speaker, any form of entertainer. Their worst nightmare is the audience leaving mid-performance. Now think of the impact a crowd leaving in the middle of a match ca...
tacticsjournal.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Imagine you are a singer, comedian, speaker, any form of entertainer. Their worst nightmare is the audience leaving mid-performance. Now think of the impact a crowd leaving in the middle of a match can have on a football team. That aspect is overlooked. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/30/i...
I can’t unsee how effective a midfielder dropping and maintaining six or more yards of separation is to help break up a compact defense. I wish more teams rotated midfielders back like this to unlock space for easier central progression. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/28/y...
You won't unsee how effective midfield rotations with six or more yards of separation can be
I can’t unsee how effective a midfielder dropping and maintaining six or more yards of separation is to help break up a compact defense. I wish more teams rotated midfielders back like this to unlock ...
tacticsjournal.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:16 AM
I can’t unsee how effective a midfielder dropping and maintaining six or more yards of separation is to help break up a compact defense. I wish more teams rotated midfielders back like this to unlock space for easier central progression. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/28/y...
Numbers like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-4-3, and 5-2-3 describe the formation to help us quickly visualize how players are arranged on the pitch, but that is our interpretation of the tactic. What is being communicated by the coach to the players is what matters. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/26/t...
Telephone numbers
Numbers like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-4-3, and 5-2-3 describe the formation to help us quickly visualize how players are arranged on the pitch, but that is our interpretation of the tactic. What is being commu...
tacticsjournal.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Numbers like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-4-3, and 5-2-3 describe the formation to help us quickly visualize how players are arranged on the pitch, but that is our interpretation of the tactic. What is being communicated by the coach to the players is what matters. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/26/t...
The best ideas are ones that are not forced. They will flow out of you. You won’t even be able to give yourself a second to overthink it. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/24/d...
Don't force things
The best ideas are ones that are not forced. They will flow out of you. You won’t even be able to give yourself a second to overthink it.
tacticsjournal.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The best ideas are ones that are not forced. They will flow out of you. You won’t even be able to give yourself a second to overthink it. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/24/d...
It is easy to oversimplify Ruben Amorim’s attacking tactics. On the surface, Manchester United look predictable because they just get the ball and attack, direct play. That impression has fed the perception that United lack a sophisticated plan. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/23/r...
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United attack is more complex than it looks
It is easy to oversimplify Ruben Amorim’s attacking tactics. On the surface, Manchester United look predictable because they just get the ball and attack, direct play. That impression has fed the perc...
tacticsjournal.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:16 AM
It is easy to oversimplify Ruben Amorim’s attacking tactics. On the surface, Manchester United look predictable because they just get the ball and attack, direct play. That impression has fed the perception that United lack a sophisticated plan. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/23/r...
I had to watch back Barcelona’s match against Newcastle to study what Anthony Gordon mentioned when he said, “The way in which they keep the ball was a learning experience.” We don’t play against that kind of style in England. At least not at that level.” tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/20/l...
A learning experience from Barcelona for every attack
I had to watch back Barcelona’s match against Newcastle to study what Anthony Gordon mentioned when he said, “The way in which they keep the ball was a learning experience.” We don’t play against that...
tacticsjournal.com
September 20, 2025 at 11:16 AM
I had to watch back Barcelona’s match against Newcastle to study what Anthony Gordon mentioned when he said, “The way in which they keep the ball was a learning experience.” We don’t play against that kind of style in England. At least not at that level.” tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/20/l...
Chelsea always defend free-kick crosses with a predictable offside trap. Bayern Munich exposed it by baiting the trap, keeping all their attackers offside, and then they crossed to an onside man free at the back post. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/18/t...
This Bayern Munich free-kick routine exploited Chelsea's offside trap
Chelsea always defend free-kick crosses with a predictable offside trap. Bayern Munich exposed it by baiting the trap, keeping all their attackers offside, and then they crossed to an onside man free ...
tacticsjournal.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Chelsea always defend free-kick crosses with a predictable offside trap. Bayern Munich exposed it by baiting the trap, keeping all their attackers offside, and then they crossed to an onside man free at the back post. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/18/t...
PSG manager Luis Enrique has started watching the first half of matches from the stands, borrowing that idea from rugby coaches. In his words you either “adapt, improvise, and stop being predictable for the opponent, or you’re dead.” tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/16/l...
Luis Enrique starts watching PSG matches from the stands in the first half
PSG manager Luis Enrique has started watching the first half of matches from the stands, borrowing that idea from rugby coaches. In his words you either “adapt, improvise, and stop being predictable ...
tacticsjournal.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:56 AM
PSG manager Luis Enrique has started watching the first half of matches from the stands, borrowing that idea from rugby coaches. In his words you either “adapt, improvise, and stop being predictable for the opponent, or you’re dead.” tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/16/l...
Aston Villa stands alone as the only club in England’s top seven divisions yet to score this season. The underlying issue is one we underestimate because it is hard to quantify—the mood within the squad. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/14/w...
Why are Aston Villa not scoring goals?
Aston Villa stands alone as the only club in England’s top seven divisions yet to score this season. The underlying issue is one we underestimate because it is hard to quantify—the mood within the squ...
tacticsjournal.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Aston Villa stands alone as the only club in England’s top seven divisions yet to score this season. The underlying issue is one we underestimate because it is hard to quantify—the mood within the squad. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/14/w...
Arsenal always found solutions in the buildup as Liverpool struggled to press in the first half. In the second, they switched to a man-to-man midfield — Szoboszlai marked Calafiori and Konaté marked Martinelli — giving them the control they needed. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/04/l...
Liverpool's second-half defensive change against Arsenal that changed the game
Arsenal always found solutions in the buildup as Liverpool struggled to press in the first half. In the second, they switched to a man-to-man midfield — Szoboszlai marked Calafiori and Konaté marked M...
tacticsjournal.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Arsenal always found solutions in the buildup as Liverpool struggled to press in the first half. In the second, they switched to a man-to-man midfield — Szoboszlai marked Calafiori and Konaté marked Martinelli — giving them the control they needed. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/04/l...
Manchester United’s newest goalkeeper Senne Lammens is 6’4 and makes great reaction saves, but he has a skinnier build and a shorter reach due to the fact that gets his hands in the game but not his legs. That makes him look less imposing in net. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/03/s...
Senne Lammens is a Manchester United prospect
Manchester United’s newest goalkeeper Senne Lammens is 6’4 and makes great reaction saves, but he has a skinnier build and a shorter reach due to the fact that gets his hands in the game but not his l...
tacticsjournal.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Manchester United’s newest goalkeeper Senne Lammens is 6’4 and makes great reaction saves, but he has a skinnier build and a shorter reach due to the fact that gets his hands in the game but not his legs. That makes him look less imposing in net. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/03/s...
The mood of the team is a thing that you cannot quantify from the outside, and the transfer market is a massive distraction. Don’t be surprised when teams who are underperforming to start the season start to turn it on when this summer window closes. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/01/c...
Close the window
The mood of the team is a thing that you cannot quantify from the outside, and the transfer market is a massive distraction. Don’t be surprised when teams who are underperforming to start the season s...
tacticsjournal.com
September 1, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The mood of the team is a thing that you cannot quantify from the outside, and the transfer market is a massive distraction. Don’t be surprised when teams who are underperforming to start the season start to turn it on when this summer window closes. tacticsjournal.com/2025/09/01/c...
You can like an aspect of a manager’s game or a set of players, even when the result goes against them. You can look forward to watching a team even if you know they’ll likely lose. That is the beauty of being a neutral. tacticsjournal.com/2025/08/28/b...
Being a neutral
You can like an aspect of a manager’s game or a set of players, even when the result goes against them. You can look forward to watching a team even if you know they’ll likely lose. That is the beauty...
tacticsjournal.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM
You can like an aspect of a manager’s game or a set of players, even when the result goes against them. You can look forward to watching a team even if you know they’ll likely lose. That is the beauty of being a neutral. tacticsjournal.com/2025/08/28/b...