Sub-blocks are one of the pillars of dynamic analysis in a football team. Looking deeper into this concept, sub-blocks refer to groups of players who have specific roles in the play.

These groupings of players can be formed by a tactical decision of the coach (deliberate) or arise as a reaction to unforeseen situations in the game (conditioned), in any phase of the play.

At the MBP School of Coaches, we divide the sub-blocks into two different types:

1. Functional Sub-Blocks

Functional sub-blocks refer to groups of players that the team deliberately generates with the intention of creating a specific situation. They are the result of a predefined strategy by the coach, designed to maximise efficiency in different phases of the game.

Furthermore, they are not only intended to position players in certain areas of the field, but also establish clear roles and responsibilities within the group.

This allows for better coordination and synchronisation in collective actions, whether it is to put pressure on the opponent, cover strategic spaces or launch quick counterattacks.

For example, if the team’s style of play revolves around taking advantage of attacking transitions and they have two very powerful and fast players, they may not participate in the defensive phase and instead wait for the moment when the team regains the ball to initiate a counterattack.

Picture 1: Source MBP

On the other hand, there are also teams that seek to stay in one compact unit, both in attack and defence. It is also rare to find teams that are functionally divided into more than two sub-groups of players.

Picture 2: Source MBP

2. Conditional Sub-Blocks

Conditional sub-blocks occur mainly due to two possible reasons: fatigue and match result.

Intense physical efforts can lead to imbalances in both attack and defence, especially in the final stages of matches. As players become fatigued, they are more likely to become disorganised, leaving open spaces that can be exploited by the opponent.

This can result in a decrease in defensive cohesion and a loss of precision in attacking transitions. In addition, low energy levels can lead to individual and collective mistakes, negatively affecting the overall performance of the team.

Furthermore, in close games, there may be a higher frequency of offensive and defensive transitions, resulting in greater exertion for both teams. These types of sub-blocks are not intentional but are a consequence of the circumstances of the match and affect the physical performance levels of the players.

In summary, understanding and analysing sub-blocks allows coaches and analysts to develop more focused strategies adapted to the dynamics of the game, thus improving the team’s performance in different situations and phases of the match.

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