Guides · Games and tactics · 9 November 2026 · Thomas Schüller
Rehearsing plays: from the board to the pitch
Four stages from the drawn play to using it in a match — with timing, passive and active defence and a clear rule for success.
A play on the board always looks good. On the pitch it fails on timing: the pass comes too early, the run starts too late, the defence stands differently from the drawing. Gréhaigne and colleagues describe tactics as decisions in space and time. A rehearsed play takes some of these decisions off the team, but it only works if the team recognises when it fits.
The four stages
First, without opponents at walking pace: learn paths and timing. Second, against a passive defence at match pace. Third, against an active defence with a numerical advantage, for example four against three. Fourth, with equal numbers in a game, with a bonus point for every successful play. Move on only when a stage runs reliably.
What to watch
Give cues about the goal of the movement, not about single body parts; Wulf shows that an external focus of attention supports learning. Agree beforehand what counts as successful, for example a shot from the play.
With the tactics board
Draw the play in phases, run it against man-to-man or zone defence and check where a pass becomes tight. The play sheet puts sketches and drill progression on paper; enter the successes from practice and matches afterwards.
Key point: A play is learned through timing: first without opponents, then against passive, then against active defence, finally in the match.
References
- Gréhaigne, J.-F.; Godbout, P.; Bouthier, D. (1999): The foundations of tactics and strategy in team sports. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education 18(2), 159-174.
- Wulf, G. (2013): Attentional focus and motor learning: a review of 15 years. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology 6(1), 77-104.