This tactics and formations chapter has been developed to provide information on why and how teams use certain systems of play, tactics and formations and the qualities needed by players to perform within these systems. We examine and focus on famous and well known teams to demonstrate with the aid of "Coaches Chalkboard" how and why they deploy certain formations and tactics and how they adjust tactically, as a team and individually for attacking and defending situations.

We also examine the qualities required by players to perform in specific positions and how these have an impact on the type of formations teams employ.

It is no coincidence that set-plays are a major factor in scoring goals and can majorly effect the results of many games. Therefore the ability of a coach to organise their team to defend and attack at set pieces effectively is also covered, highlighting different attacking and defending set piece options , the specific roles and responsibilities of players and the merits of zonal, man to man and a combination of man to man and zonal marking.