TACTICS ACADEMY

🧩 Definition: 3-2 System

Actually a 2-1-2 system in structure:
A defensive setup with 2 players in the first defensive line (front) and 3 deeper positioned players providing defensive coverage.

🔁 Forechecking

Early disruption of the opponent’s build-up play through active pressure on the ball carrier.

🛡️ Zone Defence (Zonenverteidigung)

Players defend a specific area on the field, regardless of the opponent’s movement or positioning.

🌊 Wave (Welle)

A coordinated defensive movement –
Can be oriented either horizontally (East–West) or vertically (North–South) depending on the defensive phase.

⚡ Trigger

A specific event that activates pressure or initiates a formation change, e.g.:
– Back pass
– Poor first touch
– Isolated ball carrier

📏 Gap Control

The spacing between defensive lines (e.g. forwards and defenders).
A key element for maintaining compactness and limiting penetration.

↔️ Shift

Lateral movement of the entire defensive unit toward the ball side. Ensures pressure and support are aligned with ball position.

🔄 Switching (Switchen)

Transfer of responsibility from one defender to another when passing off an opponent – commonly used in zone and half-space coverage.