Hughes Hypotheses

this report will critical evaluate one of Hughes’ (1990) Winning Formula hypotheses forward runs. The main subject area that will be looked at is overlapping runs. overlapping runs comes under a forward run which can be link to other runs which are similar such as diagonal runs as well as linking overlapping runs with attacking in the final thirds and counter attacking. This report will also include technical information on how to execute overlapping runs, areas of the pitch this occurs and the key aspects of technical performance. In addition to this I will Identify strengths and weaknesses of overlapping runs as well as a critical review of findings based on Hughes’ (1990) hypothesis. This report will also analyse football games from the campions league group stages 2015 campaign collecting data on how many effective overlapping runs is used within a game besides to how many goals scored from this move.

Hughes hypotheses

Hughes hypotheses are the statistical and technical brake down stressing the fact that controlled direct play will give any team at any level the best chances of winning football matches. Hughes hypotheses is broken down so clearly in to sections which Hughes believed to be the winning formula in football. Hughes hypotheses discusses “majority of goals are scored from 5 passes or less” (Hughes, 1990), so in addition to this he stresses that direct play is the best and is the key to winning games. Hughes collected his data creating his hypotheses by analysing football matches in America as well as world cups stating “the purpose of this is to illustrate the various elements involved in direct play and shows how these elements link together to make a winning formula (Hughes, 1990)”.

All findings for this report will be based on (Hughes, 1990) theory Forward Runs with and without the ball mainly focusing on overlapping runs. Overlapping runs comes under forward runs in Hughes hypothesis, this is just one of many types of runs used to create space an example of the types of runs are the inside-out diagonal run which is when a player in the centre of the pitch runs towards the flank. Another run used to create space would be the Outside-in diagonal run which is when a player runs from the flank in to a central point and overlapping runs.

Overlapping runs

According to (Sportsplan, n.d.) overlapping runs is “where the defender follows their pass and runs around the winger to create the extra man, offering a passing outlet so the winger now has two options, they can take on their marker themselves or they can play the ball to the overlapping defender as shown in figure 1” (Sportsplan, n.d.).  overlapping runs mainly occur on both right and left sides of the pitch and is a run mainly used by full backs who are classed as one of the most important attackers on the field for the reasons that (Guardian, 2009) stated “every World Cup since has been won by the team with the best pair of attacking full-backs: Jorginho and Branco for Brazil in 1994; Lilian Thuram and Bixente Lizarazu for France in 1998; Cafu and Roberto Carlos for Brazil in 2002”. There pace and knowledge of the game is critical knowing when to do an overlapping run which helps give teams an outlet as well as creating space, forcing the opposition to track their run giving your team the opportunity to exploit the space left behind from the defender. (Hughes, 1990) backs this fact up by saying “forward runs are used to create space and exploit space” (Hughs, 1990).  [pic 1][pic 2]

There are many strengths and weaknesses when it comes to overlapping runs an example of some of the strengths would be the ability to penetrate the opponents final third quickly, the ability to change defending into attacking, puts you in a position that crates space and gives the opposition more to think about for example should they track the runner or hold their position. On the other hand, some of the weaknesses of overlapping runs would be when the full back commits to the overlap run he would leave a massive amount of space in behind him so if the ball was to be intercepted the opposition could then counter attack, exploit the space left behind from the full back and enter a goal scoring opportunity.

in order to execute an overlapping, run you would need the correct weight of the pass for the reasons that if the pass is over hit it could go to the opposition or out of play same as if the ball is under hit it could get intercepted or not reach its intended target. A vital point in overlapping runs would be the timing of overlapping run, this is vital because if you arrive to early the opposition will adjust their shape and cover the space but if you arrive to late the opposition can regain possession. An additional attribute you would need in order to pull off an overlapping run would be pace simply because you need to overlap and attack the space as quickly as possible.

 The technical aspects of overlapping runs would be to receive the ball with your back foot this prevents and shields the ball away from the opposition making it harder for them to tackle you. Another technical aspect would be a positive first touch out of your feet this allows you to start running with the ball and attack your opponents final third as quickly as possible. head up this opens up more options for you to release the ball and act the space with pace. Teams that use overlapping runs and their successes

Formations used for overlapping play

The traditional formation 4-4-2 is one of the best formations used for overlapping play. (Consulting, 2010) Stated “This system is very popular and used by such great teams as the Dutch National and Manchester United. It is a very effective and versatile attacking system based on coming down the sides as well as spreading the defence and then penetrating through the centre”. (Consulting, 2010). Another formation that is good for overlapping runs would be 4-3-3 for the reasons that “The 4-3-3 formation is designed to both gain control of the central midfield whilst also allowing for variety in attack. It is common for one of the three midfielders to operate as a defensive midfielder whilst the two remaining midfielders have more responsibility in attack” (Askham, n.d.).

In addition to this another formation that is good for overlapping runs and plays would be 4-1-2-1-2 since “The 4-1-2-1-2 thrives off of mobility, vertical movement and physical prowess. Without wingers, it's the full-backs' job to bomb forward with regularity and stretch the pitch.” (Tighe, 2012).Lastly a good formation that is used to overload on the wings creating overlapping runs would be 4-4-1-1 for the reasons that “If a player plays ahead of the midfield but behind the striker, it causes problems for the opposition because they find it hard to mark them.” (STAFF, n.d.)Making perfect for full backs to do overlapping runs and linking up with their midfielders.