The Space and Time Factors

The Collective Game
The Concepts of Collective Play
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  • Space: We understand as "space" in the field of sport and specifically in football as that part of the field of play (zone / demarcation) in which the player who owns his activity, or who receives the ball, so that he can manipulate it effectively (maintain his possession and progress) without or with minimal opposition.
  • Time: We understand as time the duration with which space manifests itself.

These two factors are the basic element to determine the optimal forms of play, and in any case they are manifested in football, as he exposes in "Football. Structure and dynamics of the Game". Jorge F. F. Castelo (1999)":

  • "... the weather... It is strictly linked to space...; this means that they are interdependent, because when more we have of one more we have of the other.
  • ... This assertion, according to Cunha (1987) "will make full sense if we keep in mind that all the actions carried out collectively will allow, gaining space, that any player at any time has time to play. The more time you have to play, the greater the margin of error on the part of the player is possible...
  • ... Gréagaigne (1992) adds that... For example, "the most favorable situation for an attacking team is when the ball and one of its players simultaneously reach a free space.
  • "... Still in this context, Queiroz (1983) quoting Helmut Schon, refers that >.
  • "... According to Teissie (1971) >.

As we will see, any action, situation of the individual tactic or manifestation of the Collective Game in attack, are conditioned and favor the appearance of these two factors, which are assumable if we take into account:

  • The large play spaces available:
  • 2,700 m2. For the team.
  • 300/400 m2. By demarcation/play area.
  • The superior speed of movement that the ball has in relation to that of the player.
  • The possibility of making effective ball movements of 40-50 meters.
  • The possibility of playing with a high level/speed of execution (1-2 touches).
  • The reduction of the time of action (decision and execution) by the player when applying the fundamentals of the Collective Game.
  • The total and coherent occupation of the pitch.
The Collective Game
The Concepts of Collective Play
Offensive Play Styles Defensive Play styles Positional Attack Counterattack and Rapid Attack Competition Units (UC) UC Offensive Phase Subphases of the Offensive Phase UC Defensive Phase Subphases of the Defensive Phase The Game Situations (SJ) The Defense-Attack Transition The Attack-Defense Transition The Play Area The Game System Play from the zone (outside it) Changes of Orientation in collective play (CO) The Retreat The Slogans of the Collective Game Errors in the game Error Analysis Factors that prevent correct decision making Match Control (Statistical data) Concept of Opportunity (Opportune Moment) Game Levels Basics to access Game Level A Sports intelligence Talent Being or Not being in the Game/Ball Orientation Rhythm of Play Changes of Pace in the Collective Game Play two tactical touches Types of Control in the Collective Game Performance Concepts Execution Speed Darken Pass Line Emergency Support / Play in Safety Active, Passive or Real Opposition Interception Line The Offensive Provision (OJ) Game System Movements (MSJ)