Concept · Intermediate
Strong side / weak side
The side of the pitch where the ball is (strong) and the opposite side (weak). The entire defence shifts toward the strong side.
How it works on the pitch
Marking concentration is maximised where the ball is, creating local superiority. The weak side is left deliberately open — but getting there requires a long switch-of-play pass, giving the defence time to recover. Wingers on the weak side who hold width and wait for that switch are a classic weapon.
Gaffer FC teaches 12 concepts like this one with interactive examples and a tactical minigame where you make the call. See inside the app.