You are currently viewing Analyzing the opponent: The Dynamic Analysis as a Second Step

Analyzing the opponent: The Dynamic Analysis as a Second Step

Some time ago we talked about the ‘structural analysis’ as the first step in the analysis of the opponent, one of the first points that is in the ‘Specialist in Scouting and Match Analysis’ course.

The  ‘Structural Analysis’ referred to the collection of information about the opponent to become more prepared for the game. This is done without having to see the opposition play, as it gives the coaching staff the first idea about what to expect from the rival.

In today’s article, we will focus on the ‘Dynamic Analysis’ as the second step in the team observational process. This will help us in continuing to learn more information about the opponent, but, this time, now having analyzed the opponent’s matches.

In addition to this, the second step in the analysis of the opponent will provide information on ‘how’ the team in question acts, both in behavioral aspects, occupation of space, and the key points to highlight, regardless of the team’s playing idea.

In the dynamic analysis, there are four points to focus on:

  1. The Identification of Intervals
  2. The Identification of Sub-Blocks
  3. The Rotation of Positions
  4. Important Points

These four aspects will help the coaching staff to be able to make certain adjustments to the game model, in order to protect themselves from the opponent’s strengths, and, at the same time, to be able to attack their weaknesses.

For example, in relation to the identification of intervals, the fact of knowing what spaces the opponent leaves free in the defensive phase will help us to know how to take advantage of them, when trying to overcome the opposition in the different moments of the game.

The identification of sub-blocks helps the coaching staff to know if the team has a tendency to split in two, or if there are specific players who do not participate in certain phases of the game.

As for the rotation of positions, it will give an idea if the opposition tend to interchange their positions in the attacking phase, and if particular defensive concepts must be adapted to defend those players.

Finally, the important points will highlight the opposition’s strengths, weaknesses, and contextual points. This is always with the objective of considering ‘how’ to manage these players in order to maximize advantages and reduce possible risks.

In conclusion, the dynamic analysis is the next step after the structural analysis of the team. It will help us to go deeper in the scouting of the opponent and make us prepared to go into the following aspects when analyzing their matches.

Leave a Reply