ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the analysis of opposing teams’ playing styles in soccer by means of qualitative game observations. Different aspects are discussed and related to the relevance for practice. The theoretical background is illuminated by listing various case studies of match analysis such as the choice of the playing style for a specific match. Then the methods with a focus on tactics and quality criteria are described. In the paragraph on practical implementation, different areas of application are presented. These include media research, team analysis, single player analysis, analyses of set pieces, and the analysis of tactical formations. In this chapter, lessons learned in the field are shared and advice for a purposeful implementation in practice is given. Finally, the overall aim of the coaching process, an adjustment of player behavior, is also discussed, along with the risks of relying on match analysis, such as too much focus on the opponent.
