One of the most famous war general was Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military leader from 6BC. His tactics and strategies have been texted and translated in numerous languages and contexts including business.
Here is a very brief take on some of his strategies in war and how they are relevant in sports.
The Art of war :
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
This holds true right across team sports where prior to a big match, both coaches and players never answer questions asked by journalists about how their team has prepared and hope to play against the opposition. All teams hold their cards closer to their chest and avoid revealing anything that may give their opposition an advantage, however small.
In beach volleyball, the player closer to the net will show hidden strategic signs to his/her team mate with regards to placing the ball and where he/she will be in order to return the ball back.
“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .”
Summer of 1990 in Italy, the football world cup begins and unknown Cameroon play the previous world cup holders Argentina. The rest has gone down in football folk law. Argentina was expected to win comfortably but lost to Cameroon by 1:0. Argentina's confidence(arrogance?) was rattled by Cameroon not knowing what to do. This led to irritation, mental block leading to disjointed play. Cameroon's unpredictable pay hit them on the break with a headed goal and Argentina could not get back.
"Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.”
There is one athlete that comes to mind, Mike Tyson! Whatever his personal weaknesses have been towards the end of his career outside the ring, there is no doubt about his ability in the ring when he started his boxing journey towards the world heavyweight championship. He was awesome in his speed, power, agility and opponents seldom knew what hit them before they hit the ground. He was devastating.
“Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.”
This principle hold true as an example in sledging that occurs in cricket where the fielding team gets right into the face and mind of the batsman by taunting him. Various examples of sledging that has occurred (some humorous) can be found on the internet.
“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.”
During a team game, if the opposing coach keeps changing team positions, players and asking for timeouts, it is usually a sign that the opposing team is having difficultly in adapting to your play. This should give your team some confidence that whatever tactics being employed, is working and that the opponents are rattled and are having problems with your strategic play.
“First, lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured”
If ever the above held true throughout a sportsman career where brute strength was never up skilled, it has to be Roger Federer. Arguably one of the greatest tennis players ever whose sublime skill was his greatest strength instead of brute force. All the hard work was done while honing the natural talent towards intelligent and finesse which came across as effortless display of sublime tennis on the court by Federer.
“The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
In any match, putting pressure on the opposing player/players is extremely important. It prevents them from playing at their best and making unforced errors. It is from these unforced errors that an opportunity will arise to finish of the game or get ahead.
As the old boxing saying goes,"get your opponent on the ropes and don't let him off."
“There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.”
Football world cup 2014, this came true in the first half when Germany embarrassingly beat the home nation Brazil 7:1. Right from the manager Scolari to the eleven players on the pitch, the above five came true. The players got shaken, scared, embarrassed while on the pitch before the game was half finished. recklessness by the defenders by loosing defensive structure. The Germans realized this after the second goal and kept pressing. Great result for Germany whereas generational scars for the Brazilians.
Here is a very brief take on some of his strategies in war and how they are relevant in sports.
The Art of war :
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
This holds true right across team sports where prior to a big match, both coaches and players never answer questions asked by journalists about how their team has prepared and hope to play against the opposition. All teams hold their cards closer to their chest and avoid revealing anything that may give their opposition an advantage, however small.
In beach volleyball, the player closer to the net will show hidden strategic signs to his/her team mate with regards to placing the ball and where he/she will be in order to return the ball back.
“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .”
Summer of 1990 in Italy, the football world cup begins and unknown Cameroon play the previous world cup holders Argentina. The rest has gone down in football folk law. Argentina was expected to win comfortably but lost to Cameroon by 1:0. Argentina's confidence(arrogance?) was rattled by Cameroon not knowing what to do. This led to irritation, mental block leading to disjointed play. Cameroon's unpredictable pay hit them on the break with a headed goal and Argentina could not get back.
"Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.”
There is one athlete that comes to mind, Mike Tyson! Whatever his personal weaknesses have been towards the end of his career outside the ring, there is no doubt about his ability in the ring when he started his boxing journey towards the world heavyweight championship. He was awesome in his speed, power, agility and opponents seldom knew what hit them before they hit the ground. He was devastating.
“Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.”
This principle hold true as an example in sledging that occurs in cricket where the fielding team gets right into the face and mind of the batsman by taunting him. Various examples of sledging that has occurred (some humorous) can be found on the internet.
“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.”
During a team game, if the opposing coach keeps changing team positions, players and asking for timeouts, it is usually a sign that the opposing team is having difficultly in adapting to your play. This should give your team some confidence that whatever tactics being employed, is working and that the opponents are rattled and are having problems with your strategic play.
“First, lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured”
If ever the above held true throughout a sportsman career where brute strength was never up skilled, it has to be Roger Federer. Arguably one of the greatest tennis players ever whose sublime skill was his greatest strength instead of brute force. All the hard work was done while honing the natural talent towards intelligent and finesse which came across as effortless display of sublime tennis on the court by Federer.
“The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
In any match, putting pressure on the opposing player/players is extremely important. It prevents them from playing at their best and making unforced errors. It is from these unforced errors that an opportunity will arise to finish of the game or get ahead.
As the old boxing saying goes,"get your opponent on the ropes and don't let him off."
“There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.”
Football world cup 2014, this came true in the first half when Germany embarrassingly beat the home nation Brazil 7:1. Right from the manager Scolari to the eleven players on the pitch, the above five came true. The players got shaken, scared, embarrassed while on the pitch before the game was half finished. recklessness by the defenders by loosing defensive structure. The Germans realized this after the second goal and kept pressing. Great result for Germany whereas generational scars for the Brazilians.
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