Three man combination play starts to lay the groundwork for off ball tactics. Four and five man tactics allows a coach to develop a shape the players. Whatever the setup, the zoned environments can give the coach a layout to train tactical movement and play. In the middle teenage years, players are able to make decisions during play that are increasingly more complex. Though creativity should have been encouraged throughout the earlier training life of the player, it must be stressed now.
Appropriate risk taking is paramount to successful tactical play.
By age 16, the players should be confident in most facets of the game. They should begin to recognize their teammates role within the team as well as their own. They must be able to adapt their play and positioning based upon the game situation. At this time, the coach needs to focus more on team development, through the introduction of precise patterns and complex team systems and shapes as it relates to attacking, defending and transitioning. The coach must also provide individual players with more functional and positional training.