Attacking
The Half-Space: Where the Lines Leave Room
The football half-space helps attackers connect the centre and wing; learn how to read its passing options, time a run…
The reading list
All pieces
Read Bold Match Journal by subject or follow the movement of an idea across the pitch. Each piece takes one football question and makes its choices and patterns easier to see.
Defending
One Defensive Line, Two Ways to Hold It
Compare a high defensive line with a deeper one to see how each trades space behind the defence for pressure near the…
Team Shape
From the Old Pyramid to the Numbers on a Team Sheet
Learn how football formation numbers grew from the old pyramid and how to read what those familiar digits reveal—and…
Match Phases
The Formation Label Is Not the Whole Formation
See how a football formation label can hide a team’s changing jobs, from building through midfield to protecting space…
Player Roles
How to Read a Football Player’s Role by Following Their Choices
Learn how to read a football player’s role by tracking their choices, responsibilities and relationships with…