In-Game Adjustments

Course: How To Analyse A Match
Section: 9 - Opposition Analysis
Subsection: 3 - In-Game Adjustments
Page URL: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/9775ce2d?md=8afebd10fb0f43f9b144a92aa2dbcbc2

Core Principle

Analysis doesn’t stop when the match starts. The best coaches adjust based on what they see.

Real-Time Tactical Recognition

Things to watch for in first 15 minutes:

• Are they playing their expected formation? - Confirm or adjust pre-match assumptions
• Which players look nervous/confident? - Identify psychological advantages to exploit
• Are they pressing high or sitting deep? - Understand their defensive approach
• How are they handling your game plan? - Assess effectiveness of your preparation

When and How to Adjust

Major adjustments should happen at:

• 20-minute mark (if plan isn’t working) - Early tactical correction window
• Half-time (based on evidence) - Comprehensive tactical review and adjustment
• When score changes - Adaptation to new game state requirements
• When they make substitutions - Counter their tactical changes

Communication During Matches

Keep instructions simple:

• “Push higher” - Clear positional adjustment
• “Press their number 6” - Specific player targeting
• “Switch play more” - Tactical variation instruction
• “Get in behind their left-back” - Exploit identified weakness

Complex tactical changes mid-match confuse players.

Implementation Strategy

In-Game Analysis Framework:

1. Observation Phase (0-15 minutes) - Verify pre-match assumptions
2. Assessment Phase (15-20 minutes) - Evaluate plan effectiveness
3. Adjustment Phase (20+ minutes) - Implement necessary changes
4. Monitor Phase (Post-adjustment) - Track impact of changes
5. Re-evaluation (Halftime/late game) - Further refinements

Key Adjustment Triggers:

• Plan not working - Clear evidence your approach is failing
• Unexpected opposition setup - They’ve changed from scouted formation
• Individual matchup problems - Key battles going against you
• Score changes - Game state requires tactical shift
• Opposition substitutions - They’ve changed their approach

Communication Best Practices:

• Use player names - More effective than position numbers
• One instruction at a time - Avoid overwhelming players
• Visual demonstrations - Show what you want during breaks
• Positive reinforcement - Build confidence while adjusting
• Clear timing - When to implement the change

Adjustment Types:

• Positional tweaks - Small shape modifications
• Pressing triggers - Change when/where to press
• Build-up patterns - Alternative attacking routes
• Individual roles - Specific player instructions
• Set piece changes - Counter their discovered routines