23/24 EPL season
I’m going to raise my hand and say I don’t understand soccer, although I wish I had a better understanding as my son’s interest in the sport continues to grow. I get the general idea, so I don’t need Soccer for Dummies, but I would like to better understand the strategies behind the game in general, as well as in specific situations (set pieces?). Any recommended resources?
It's kinda hard to read about to understand the strategy. Like in any sport, the strategy is to put your opponent defenders in the most untenable position. Some of that is achieved thru tactics, shape and some thru players individual skill.
What I would recommend is watch some EPL, LA Liga or Serie A matches. Even Champions League. But take your eye off the ball. Watch what players do (or don't do) off the ball. Their movement, position when ball is near or opposite side etc. You will start to see a pattern develop. The camera shots will give you the ability to still see where ball is and how it's moving, but also see a wider shot of what others are doing depending on player with ball doing.
At the top level, angles and leverage ( player w ball position vs defender position) means a whole lot. Listen to the commentators, there are several in EPL, former players, that do a good job imo of identifying certain tactical shape, formation and how that relates to the game as its being played.
Pay attention to different coaches and how their teams play. The most identifiable imo is Pep Guardiola.(man city) he brought into forefront what is referred to as "tiki taka" (touch touch) soccer. Always moving with purpose, attacking one touch soccer.
Here is an article on that style. Gives an idea of his style wherever he goes.
You will start to gain an understanding watching it. Best way imo. Eventually you can dive deeper into players pro/cons to see how opponents attack them (or avoid) etc. Then the game starts to slow down and you can enjoy watching the skill these guys posses.
It really is the beautiful game.
https://www.totalsoccer.us/an-introduction-to-tiki-taka-soccer-barcelonas-style-of-play/