The Space and Time factors

  • Space: We understand as "space" in the field of sport and specifically in football as that part of the pitch (zone/demarcation) in which the player who owns, or receives the ball, develops his activity, so that he can effectively manipulate it (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 for determining optimal forms of play, and in any case manifest themselves in football, as set out in "Football. Structure and dynamics of the Game". Jorge F. F. Castelo (1999)":

  • "... time... It is strictly linked to space...; this means that they are interdependent, because when more we have one more of us from the other.
  • ... This assertion, according to Cunha (1987) "will make perfect sense if we keep in mind that all actions performed collectively will allow, gaining space, that any player at any time has time to play. The longer you have to play, the greater the player's margin of error 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 assumed if we take into account:

  • The large play spaces available:
  • 2,700 m2. For the team.
  • 300/400 m2. By demarcation/play area.
  • The higher travel speed of the ball relative to that of the player.
  • The possibility of effective ball movements of 40-50 meters.
  • The possibility to play with a high level/execution speed (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 consistent occupation of the pitch.
The Collective Game
Collective Game's Concepts
Defensive Play Styles Offensive Play Styles Positional Attack Counterattack and Rapid Attack Competition Units (UC) UC Offensive Phase Offensive Phase subphases UC Defensive Phase Defensive Phase subphases Game Situations (SJ) The Defense-Attack Transition The Attack-Defense Transition The Play area The Game System Playing from the area Orientation Changes (CO) The fold The Collective Game Slogans In-game mistakes Error Analysis Factors that prevent the right decision-making Party Control (Statistical Data) Game Levels Basics for accessing Game Level A Concept of Opportunity Sports intelligence Talent Being or Not being in the Game Orientation/Balon Rhythm of the Game Rhythm Changes in collective play Playing two touches tactically Types of Control in the Collective Game Performance Concepts