Total Football is a playstyle first implemented by the Netherlands national soccer time in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. It is based on the theory that any outfield player can take over the role of any other player in a team. What this means is that any player who moves out of his or her position on the pitch is then replaced by another. This means that the team is able to retain its intended organizational structure without losing its shape. It is based on a fluid structure with no predetermined role or position, but rather the ability of the players to play all positions. This is also the pivotal part of the style, players must be able to adapt quickly and switch positions depending on the on-field situation. A truly fluid and interesting style of soccer to watch, players are constantly moving in and out of position with teammates filling in until eventually returning to their original sports. A playstyle such as total football absolutely requires each player to be able to adapt to in-game situations and read their teammates. Knowing a teammates tendencies and skillsets allows players to anticipate movements and the flow of the game.
References
“Football Basics: Styles Of Play, Formations and Pitch Dimensions.” footballtactics1415, 14 Aug. 2014, footballtactics1415.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/football-basics-styles-of-play-formations-and-pitch-dimensions/.
“The Game.” Total Football Strategy | Total Soccer Tactic, Style, Formation, Meaning, 20 June 2014, www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/total-football-strategy.html.
“What Formation Did Holland’s Total Football Side Actually Play?” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 13 Sept. 2017, www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/13/what-formation-did-hollands-total-football-side-actually-play.
“Total Football Explained.” The Football Manager Blog, 28 Jan. 2011, thefootballmanagerblog.wordpress.com/tactics-training/total-football-explained-2/.
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Author: Jake Seau
How to cite this article: “Total Soccer Style,” Written by Jake Seau (2018) Soccer Politics Pages, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/mens-world-cup-2018-guide/playing-styles-of-world-cup-favorites/general-playing-styles/total-soccer-style/ (accessed on (date))
