Football Tactics Board

Formation and Shape

A team's formation is its default shape when not in possession, and the choice between a back four (4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2) and a back three (3-4-3, 3-5-2, 5-3-2) determines the entire tactical framework. On CourtDraw you can diagram both and show players how the midfield compactness changes based on the shape:

• 4-3-3 vs 4-3-3 — show how the number-10 finding pockets of space between the opponent's lines changes with different midfield orientations.
• Back three with wing-backs — diagram how the wing-backs provide width in attack while the back three holds defensive shape, creating a 5-2-3 in defense and a 3-4-3 in attack.
• Double pivot — two defensive midfielders in front of the back four; show the coverage responsibilities when one pivots steps out to press and the other holds.

High Press and Pressing Triggers

A high press is not random aggression — it's a structured system with specific triggers. The most common trigger is a pass to the goalkeeper or a centre-back who receives under pressure with their back to the field. Show on CourtDraw:

• The trigger moment — the exact ball position that activates the press.
• The pressing shape — which player attacks the ball-carrier, which player covers the primary pass option, and which players block the secondary options.
• The pressing traps — how the press forces the ball toward the sideline where space is compressed; the sideline acts as an extra defender.

Build-Up Play

Coaching build-up from the back requires players to understand the spacing principles that create passing lanes. Diagram:

• Back three under press — goalkeeper dropping to form a three with the center-backs; the two holding midfielders positioning in the half-spaces to receive.
• Overlaps and underlaps — when full-backs overlap (run outside the winger) versus underlap (run inside); show the geometry that makes each more effective against different defensive shapes.
• Third-man runs — the player who runs beyond the immediate pass receiver to create the next passing option; diagram the timing of this run relative to the first pass.

Set Pieces

Set pieces represent the most rehearsable, coachable situations in football. Detailed diagrams on CourtDraw make the difference between a set piece that looks polished and one that dissolves into confusion:

• Corner routines — show blocker positions, decoy runners, and the primary attacker's run path; include the goalkeeper's expected positioning and how this influences the ball target.
• Free kicks — diagram the wall position, the runner who delays in the wall to create a route, and the alternative direct-shot targeting zone.
• Throw-ins in the final third — structured throw-in patterns that create an immediate shooting opportunity or a combination into the box.