Problem solving as a strategy in teaching offensive tactics at the under 8 level in 8-a-side-soccer

This study focuses on teaching offensive tactics in soccer. Attacking tactics are a key strategic aspect of play in this sport and, given the number of factors that need to be coordinated, they are highly complex moves. The aim here was to study the way in which attacks were constructed during 8-a-side training sessions at the under 8 level where the coach used a series of drills based on the problem-solving approach to teaching. The results revealed improvements in two techniques that were worked on as part of offensive strategies, namely 1) keeping the ball, and 2) moving the ball and players towards the opponent’s goal and, more specifically, the transition from an advanced midfield position to the attacking zone. The first of these techniques was shown to have been learnt prior to the second. Teaching attacking tactics needs to be complemented with a third technique (shooting at goal), and an analysis must be made of the extent to which all these skills are transferred to more complex match situations.