Key Duels
The Second Defender: How Cover Changes a One-on-One
Learn to read the second defender in a football one-on-one and see how cover changes an attacker’s space, timing and…
8 min read
The reading list
All reports
Explore writing on key duels, team shapes, playing styles, match context and the moments when a contest changes.
Team Shapes
Wide or Narrow: How Attacking Shape Changes the Space
Wide or narrow attacking shape changes where a defence must move; learn to spot the open lane, the isolated player and…
6 min read
Playing Styles
When the Sweeper Took Shape Behind the Defensive Line
Sweeper in football history: learn how covering space behind the defensive line changed marking, communication and the…
7 min read
Team Shapes
The Formation Number Is Not a Map of the Match
Understand what a football formation number tells you—and what it leaves out—so you can describe player roles and…
6 min read
Match Context
Watching a Windy Match: Follow the Second Ball
Follow the second ball in a windy match by tracking the first clearance, the landing zone and the players gathering…
7 min read