As a concrete example: The traditional 4-4-2.  4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. The two lines of defenders and midfielders are flat with an interval between two lines relatively small (15-20 meter). Depending on the position of the ball, players slide across the width of the field. So if the ball is right, middle left axis narrowing in the middle axis shifts further left hand ball, the middle right axis covers the middle right which is fitted to play the ball carrier. If the opposing player will realize that the side is closed, it can show the ball to “rotate” (= change) for later. During the movement of the ball, players must slide back the other way in return for a first time their original position, then perform the same operation: the middle left to play up the middle on the left axis and covers both other slide. The line of supporters following the same principle with a slight additional concept: the management depth. Thus, we abandon completely the opposite side of the ball to put the density and pressing on the ball carrier. The basic principle of this tactic is also the defensive withdrawal. Indeed, a parade of the laundry is to play along over defenders. To do this, position the team needs to block located around 30 meters from his own goal. In this way defenders can handle the depth of field.

But football is not just a tactic to control. A good footballer should be able to move from one scheme to another game without him this poses a problem. Thus the coach can change the device to put the opponent in trouble or re-fit some aspects that would endanger the collective goal. This also avoids the coach having to make changes to players too early in the course of the match so as not to waste the three changes maximum allowed.