3.4 Discuss the factors that influence how strategies and tactics are applied to individual and group sports
About the dot point
Strategies and tactics are the decision-making tools that shape sporting performance. A strategy is the overall plan that sets priorities such as tempo, risk, territory, and where to attack or defend, while a tactic is the specific action chosen in the moment to solve an immediate problem as conditions and opponents change. The way these are applied is never fixed, because athletes and teams must adjust what they do to match what is realistic, safe, and most likely to succeed in that context.
How to approach it
Because the directive verb is discuss, you need to identify the key issues and consider more than one relevant side, effect, or perspective for each factor that influences application. In this topic, that means explaining how factors such as environmental conditions, group strengths and weaknesses, the opponent, rules and officiating, psychology, fatigue, and the game situation can both support performance and limit it, using examples where helpful.
1. Strategy and tactics
Before discussing the factors that influence performance, it is important to understand the difference between a strategy and a tactic.
A strategy gives direction. A tactic puts that direction into action.
Strategy
A strategy is the broader plan used to achieve a performance goal. It is usually developed before the event or game and is based on what the athlete or team wants to achieve. A strategy answers the question: What is the overall plan?
Tactic
A tactic is the specific action used to apply the strategy during performance. Tactics are usually more detailed and may change during the event or game in response to the opponent, conditions, fatigue, rules or the game situation. A tactic answers the question: How will the strategy be carried out?
For instance, in a 10 km running race, an athlete’s strategy may be to conserve energy early and increase pace in the final 2 km. The tactics used to apply this strategy may include sitting behind another runner to reduce wind resistance, checking split times each kilometre, avoiding early surges and increasing cadence in the final section of the race.
In a rugby league game, a team’s strategy may be to control field position. The tactics used to apply this strategy may include completing sets, kicking into the corners, chasing kicks strongly and forcing the opposition to start their sets near their own try line.
1.1 Why strategies and tactics must be applied differently
Strategies and tactics cannot be applied in exactly the same way across all sports. They must suit the specific demands of the sport, the athlete or team, the opponent and the conditions.
Individuals sports
In individual sports, the strategy is usually shaped around the individual athlete’s physical, technical and psychological profile. The athlete often has to make tactical decisions independently during performance.
Group sports
In group sports, the strategy must suit the collective strengths and weaknesses of the team. Tactics often depend on communication, timing, role clarity and shared decision-making.
2. Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions shape what is realistic and what is risky. They influence how reliable skills are, the cost of errors, how quickly fatigue builds up, and sometimes safety. This forces changes in both strategy and tactics for individual and group sports, although the adjustment looks different in each.
Environmental conditions commonly change decision-making in three main ways:
- Skill reliability: grip, footing, ball control, ball flight, and timing can become less predictable.
- Physiological strain: heat, humidity, wind resistance, and cold can increase fatigue and reduce concentration.
- Risk profile: when mistakes are more likely, strategies often shift towards safer and more controlled options.
2.1 Wind
Wind can make ball flight, body position and movement direction harder to control. Long passes, kicks, throws, serves and shots may drift, drop short or travel further than expected.
|
Individual sport |
In an individual sport, wind may require the athlete to adjust technique, target selection or pacing. In golf, the strategy may be to reduce scoring risk in windy conditions. The tactics may include choosing a lower-lofted club, hitting a lower ball flight and aiming away from hazards. In athletics, a long jumper’s strategy may be to maintain a legal and controlled take-off despite variable wind. The tactics may include adjusting the run-up marker and focusing on rhythm rather than over-striding. |
|
Group sport |
In a group sport, wind may force the team to simplify ball movement and reduce reliance on long ‘in-the-air’ options. In AFL, the strategy may be to control territory rather than rely on precise long kicking. The tactics may include shorter kicks, more direct movement and stronger numbers around contests. In netball, the strategy may be to protect possession on an outdoor court. The tactics may include shorter passes, stronger leads and reducing long feeds into the shooting circle. |
Wind can help performance when the athlete or team adjusts better than the opposition. It can limit performance when the planned strategy depends on precision, distance or aerial control that the conditions make unreliable.
2.2 Rain and wet surfaces
Rain and wet surfaces can reduce grip, footing and ball control. Athletes may slip, mistime movements or lose control more easily.
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Individual sport |
In an individual sport, wet conditions may require safer movement patterns and more controlled decision-making. In cycling, the strategy may be to stay upright and conserve position without taking unnecessary risks. The tactics may include braking earlier, taking corners wider and avoiding sudden movements in the bunch. In golf, the strategy may be to adjust for reduced roll and softer greens. The tactics may include using a longer club, landing the ball closer to the target and avoiding low-percentage approach shots. |
|
Group sport |
In a group sport, wet conditions often require simpler tactics. In rugby league, the strategy may be to complete sets and control territory. The tactics may include more direct carries, fewer offloads, earlier kicks and stronger kick-chase pressure. In hockey, the strategy may be to protect possession on a slower or uneven surface. The tactics may include safer passing lanes, stronger first touches and fewer risky transfers across the field. |
Wet conditions can help performance when an athlete or team is disciplined, patient and willing to simplify play. They can limit performance when athletes continue using high-risk tactics that depend on grip, speed and precise execution.
2.3 Heat and humidity
Heat and humidity increase physiological strain because the body has to work harder to regulate temperature. Fatigue can build faster, concentration can decline and skill execution may become less reliable later in the contest.
|
Individual sport |
In an individual sport, the athlete may need to pace more carefully and conserve energy. In triathlon, the strategy may be to preserve energy and reduce the chance of overheating. The tactics may include lowering early intensity, drinking at planned intervals and avoiding unnecessary surges on the bike. In distance running, the strategy may shift from chasing a personal best to maintaining a sustainable race pace. The tactics may include slower opening kilometres, using drink stations effectively and delaying a final surge until late in the race. |
|
Group sport |
In a group sport, heat and humidity may require changes to substitutions, rotations, hydration and tempo. In basketball, the strategy may be to maintain defensive intensity across the whole game. The tactics may include shorter rotations, using time-outs to manage fatigue and reducing unnecessary full-court pressure. In soccer, the strategy may be to conserve energy while still controlling key areas of the field. The tactics may include pressing only at selected moments, keeping possession for longer and reducing repeated high-speed efforts. |
Heat and humidity can help better-prepared athletes and teams because they may maintain technique and decision-making for longer. However, they can limit performance by increasing fatigue, reducing intensity and increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
2.4 Applying environmental conditions in performance
Environmental conditions do not automatically help or limit performance. Their effect depends on how well the athlete or team adjusts.
A well-prepared athlete or team can use conditions to create an advantage. A golfer who adjusts club selection and shot shape in wind may make fewer errors than an opponent. A rugby league team that adapts to rain by completing sets and controlling territory may reduce mistakes and build pressure. A basketball team that manages heat through smart rotations may maintain defensive intensity for longer.
However, environmental conditions can also limit performance if the athlete or team fails to adapt. A strategy that works in dry, calm conditions may become too risky in wind, rain, heat or cold. This is why environmental conditions must influence both the overall strategy and the specific tactics used during performance.
|
Condition |
Why it changes application |
Likely strategic priority |
|---|---|---|
|
Wind |
Ball flight becomes less predictable and long passes, kicks, or shots are harder to control |
Use safer options and avoid unnecessary risk |
|
Rain |
Handling becomes harder and slipping is more likely |
Simplify play and focus on keeping control of the ball |
|
Heat and humidity |
Fatigue builds faster and decision-making often drops later in the game or event |
Control the pace and use energy carefully |
3. Group strengths and weaknesses
NESA lists environmental conditions and group strengths and weaknesses as possible examples for this dot point. Because group strengths and weaknesses mainly applies to group sports, it also makes sense to consider individual strengths and weaknesses when discussing how strategies and tactics are applied in individual sports. We will explore individual strengths and weaknesses in section ‘4. Other key factors that influence application’ below
Group strengths and weaknesses influence how strategies and tactics are applied in group sports. A team cannot simply choose any strategy because it looks effective. The strategy must suit what the group can repeatedly execute under pressure.
Group strengths and weaknesses include the team’s physical profile, skill profile, role clarity, cohesion and communication. These factors shape what the group can do well, what it should avoid and how it should respond when pressure increases.
Group strengths and weaknesses are usually seen in four main areas:
- Physical capacity: The team’s ability to use physical qualities such as size, strength, speed, power, endurance and repeated high-intensity effort.
- Skill execution under pressure: How well the team can pass, catch, shoot, tackle, strike, move and make decisions when the opposition applies pressure.
- Understanding team roles: Whether each player knows what they are responsible for and how their role connects to the team strategy.
- Teamwork and communication: Whether players support each other, communicate clearly and move together when the game becomes faster, harder or more stressful.
A group strength can become the foundation of a team strategy, whereas a group weakness can force the team to modify its tactics so the weakness is protected or less exposed.
3.1 Physical capacity
A team’s physical capacity influences which strategies and tactics are realistic. This includes the team’s ability to use size, strength, speed, power, endurance and repeated high-intensity effort during competition.
Physical capacity matters because many tactics depend on what the group can physically sustain. A team may want to play with high pressure, fast movement or strong body contact, but this will only work if the group has the physical capacity to repeat those actions across the game.
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When the team has strong physical capacity |
When a team has strong physical capacity, the strategy is often built around using that physical advantage. In rugby league, a team with strong middle forwards may use a strategy of controlling the middle of the field. The tactics may include direct carries, fast play-the-balls, support runners close to the ball and strong defensive line speed. This suits a team that can repeatedly win contact, gain metres and pressure the opposition through the middle. In AFL, a team with strong running capacity may use a strategy of sustaining pressure for longer than the opposition. The tactics may include aggressive pressing, quick spread from contests, repeated defensive recovery and fast transition after turnovers. This suits a team that can keep running, chasing and supporting across the whole game. |
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When the team has limited physical capacity |
When a team has limited physical capacity, the strategy often shifts towards avoiding situations the group cannot sustain or win consistently. In netball, a smaller team may use a strategy of avoiding repeated aerial contests. The tactics may include front cuts, fast changes of direction, shorter passes and well-timed leads. This allows the team to use movement and timing instead of relying on height. In soccer, a team with limited speed in defence may use a strategy of reducing the space behind the defensive line. The tactics may include defending deeper, keeping a compact shape and forcing play into crowded areas. This protects defenders from being isolated in open space. |
The main trade-off is that physical capacity can create clear advantages, but it can also make a team predictable. A rugby league team that relies only on physical dominance may struggle if the opposition moves the ball quickly away from the middle. A soccer team that protects slower defenders by sitting deep may reduce space behind the defence, but it may also give the opposition more possession.
3.2 Skill execution under pressure
Skill execution under pressure influences how complex, fast or risky a team’s strategies and tactics can be. A team with strong skill execution can usually apply more demanding tactics. A team that makes more errors under pressure often needs a simpler and safer plan.
This matters because tactics do not just depend on what players can do at training. They depend on what players can still do when they are tired, defended closely and forced to make decisions quickly.
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When the team has strong skill execution |
When a team has strong skill execution, the strategy may use skill quality to move the opposition out of position. In hockey, a team with strong passing and first touch may use a strategy of shifting defenders across the field to open attacking channels. The tactics may include quick transfers, angled passes, give-and-go movement and switching play. In basketball, a team with strong ball movement may use a strategy of creating high-percentage shots. The tactics may include screens, cuts, quick passes and drive-and-kick actions to open shooters. These strategies only work if players can execute skills accurately while moving, under pressure and with limited time to make decisions. |
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When the team makes skill errors under pressure |
When a team makes more skill errors under pressure, the strategy often becomes more controlled. In soccer, a team with poor ball control under pressure may use a strategy of lowering turnover risk. The tactics may include shorter passes, safer build-up, wider support options and fewer risky balls through crowded areas. In rugby league, a team that struggles with handling in wet conditions may use a strategy of completing sets rather than forcing attacking opportunities. The tactics may include fewer offloads, more direct carries and kicks to safer areas of the field. |
The main trade-off is that strong skill execution can create attacking variety, but weaker skill execution can limit tactical choices. A team may know what it wants to do, but if the group cannot pass, catch, shoot, tackle or make decisions reliably under pressure, the strategy has to become simpler.
3.3 Understanding team roles
Understanding team roles means each player knows what they are responsible for and how their role connects to the team strategy. This is especially important in group sports because many tactics depend on several players acting together.
A tactic can break down if one player moves too early, marks the wrong opponent, covers the wrong space or does not understand their responsibility in the play. Clear roles help the group stay organised and reduce hesitation.
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When players understand their roles |
When players understand their roles, the team can use more coordinated movement because players know where to be, when to move and what decision to make. In volleyball, a team with clear role understanding may use a strategy of maintaining organised court coverage. The tactics may include assigned serve-receive zones, coordinated blocking, cover positions and clear responsibility for second contacts. In basketball, a team with clear roles may use a strategy of creating space for its best scorer. The tactics may include screens, off-ball cuts, spacing rules and set plays designed to free that player. |
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When players are unsure of their roles |
When players are unsure of their roles, the strategy usually needs to become simpler. Confusion can lead to hesitation, poor spacing, missed defensive responsibilities and turnovers. In netball, a team that becomes confused in attack may use a strategy of reducing hesitation and turnovers. The tactics may include clearer passing options, more resets, defined leading spaces and simpler attacking patterns. In AFL, a team with unclear defensive roles may use a strategy of protecting structure. The tactics may include clearer zones, simpler match-up responsibilities and stronger communication about who presses and who covers. |
The main trade-off is that clear roles can make a team more organised, but overly fixed roles can reduce adaptability. A team needs enough structure to apply tactics reliably, but enough flexibility to respond when the opposition changes its approach.
3.4 Teamwork and communication
Teamwork and communication influence how well the team works together under pressure. A team may have strong athletes and skilled players, but tactics can still fail if players do not communicate, support each other or move together at the right time.
This matters because many tactics rely on timing. Players need to know when to press, when to cover, when to reset, when to support the ball carrier and when to change their positioning.
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When teamwork and communication are strong |
When teamwork and communication are strong, the strategy can rely on coordinated movement and shared decision-making. In netball, a team with strong communication may use a strategy of creating controlled attacking flow. The tactics may include timed leads, clear calls, circle-edge resets and support around the ball carrier. In soccer, a team with strong teamwork may use a strategy of coordinated pressing. The tactics may include pressing triggers, covering passing lanes, shifting as a unit and communicating when to drop back. |
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When teamwork and communication break down |
When teamwork and communication break down, the strategy often needs to reduce the number of decisions players must make under pressure. In volleyball, a team with poor communication may use a strategy of simplifying defensive responsibility. The tactics may include louder calling systems, fixed coverage roles and clearer serve-receive zones. In basketball, a team that communicates poorly in defence may use a strategy of reducing confusion on screens. The tactics may include switching more simply, calling screens earlier and using help defence in predictable ways. |
The main trade-off is that strong teamwork allows more complex tactics, but weak communication forces simplification. Simpler tactics can reduce errors, but they may also reduce creativity and make the team easier to read.
3.5 When strengths become limitations
A group strength can improve performance, but it can also create problems if the team relies on it too often or uses it in the same way every time.
For instance:
- Strong teamwork and communication can help a team coordinate movement, support each other and make shared decisions under pressure. However, this becomes a limitation if the team communicates well but the strategy itself is not suited to the opponent, conditions or game situation. For instance, a soccer team may communicate clearly when pressing high up the field, but if the opposition keeps passing around the press, the team may need to drop deeper rather than continue with the same approach.
- Strong physical capacity can help a team use pressure, speed, endurance or repeated high-intensity effort to gain an advantage. However, this becomes a limitation if the team relies on physical dominance instead of adapting its tactics. For instance, a rugby league team with strong forwards may keep attacking through the middle because it usually gains metres there. If the opposition expects this, it can crowd the ruck, slow the play-the-ball and force the attacking team into a less effective pattern.
- Strong skill execution under pressure can help a team use faster ball movement, more creative attacking options and more difficult tactics. However, this becomes a limitation if players assume they can always execute high-risk skills successfully. For instance, a basketball team with strong passing may try too many difficult passes through traffic. If the opposition anticipates these passes, the team may give away turnovers instead of creating scoring chances.
- Strong understanding of team roles can help a team stay organised and apply tactics reliably. However, this becomes a limitation if players follow their roles too rigidly and fail to adjust when the game changes. For instance, a defender may stay in their assigned zone even when an opposition player becomes free in a more dangerous area. In this situation, the team’s structure is organised, but not flexible enough.
Example: A netball team with a tall goal shooter may build its strategy around scoring close to the post. The tactics may include high feeds, screens and strong circle holds. This uses a clear group strength. However, if the team relies on this too often, defenders may anticipate the pass, block the feeding channel and force turnovers. This shows that a strength can support strategy, but over-reliance can make tactics predictable.
The key point is that group strengths and weaknesses shape both the strategy and the tactics.
A group strength helps decide what the team should try to do more often. A group weakness helps decide what the team should avoid, protect or simplify. Good application means choosing tactics that the group can actually execute under pressure, not just tactics that look effective in theory.
When your team has these strengths:
|
Group strength |
Strategy built around it |
Tactics that commonly match |
Example in sport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Strong physical capacity |
Use strength, speed, endurance or repeated effort to control important parts of the game. |
Direct play, strong body contact, contesting the ball aggressively, repeated pressure in key areas. |
In rugby league, strong middle players may be used to gain metres and control the ruck. |
|
Strong speed and endurance |
Maintain pressure and force errors across the game. |
Fast movement, repeated leads, quick defensive recovery, sustained pressure around the ball. |
In soccer or AFL, a team may press harder and spread the ball quickly into open space. |
|
Height advantage |
Create better scoring chances and stronger contesting positions. |
High passes, screens, rebounds, aerial contests, using space close to the scoring area. |
In netball or basketball, taller players may be used near the goal or basket to improve scoring chances. |
|
Strong passing or ball movement |
Move the opposition out of position and create space. |
Quick passing, switching play, give-and-go movement, spreading the ball to open players. |
In basketball, soccer or hockey, quick ball movement can open gaps in the defence. |
|
Strong teamwork and communication |
Use coordinated movement to create reliable attacking and defensive patterns. |
Timed support play, structured movement, effective cover defence, clear role execution. |
In netball or volleyball, strong communication helps players move smoothly and cover space effectively. |
When your team has these weaknesses:
|
Group weakness |
Strategic adjustment |
Tactics that commonly match |
Example in sport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Poor ball control under pressure |
Lower the chance of mistakes and keep control of possession. |
Shorter passes, simpler play, fewer difficult options, slower and more controlled build-up. |
In soccer or basketball, a team may avoid risky passes through crowded areas. |
|
Poor fitness |
Slow the pace and conserve energy. |
Longer periods of controlled possession, less frequent pressing, more careful use of high-intensity effort. |
In AFL or hockey, a team may reduce how often it presses or sprints to avoid fading late in the game. |
|
Weak teamwork and communication |
Simplify the structure and make decisions easier. |
Basic patterns, clearer roles, more resets, fewer complex movements or changes. |
In netball, a team may use simpler attacking patterns to reduce hesitation and interceptions. |
|
A player who can be targeted in defence |
Protect that player and provide extra support. |
Cover defence, extra support from teammates, adjusted positioning, avoiding isolation in dangerous areas. |
In basketball or soccer, teammates may give more support to a defender who struggles one-on-one. |
|
Slow decision-making under pressure |
Create more time and reduce rushed play |
Wider spacing, more controlled possession, pre-planned options, fewer fast or difficult plays |
In touch football or handball, players may spread out more to make passing choices easier. |
|
Lack of size or strength in contests |
Avoid repeated physical contests and use space instead |
Quicker movement, spreading play wider, reducing body contact, using speed to create separation |
In netball or soccer, a smaller team may rely more on movement and positioning than direct physical contests. |
4. Other key factors that influence application
Environmental conditions and group strengths and weaknesses are major influences, but strategies and tactics are also shaped by other factors that change what is possible, what is safe, and what is most likely to work.
4.1 Individual strengths and weaknesses
Individual strengths and weaknesses matter because strategies and tactics need to suit what an athlete can actually perform under pressure.
This influences application in three clear ways:
- What the athlete should use more often: strengths help shape the main strategy because they show what the athlete is most capable of doing well.
- What the athlete should avoid or protect: weaknesses show where the athlete may need safer tactics, simpler decisions or support from coaching.
- How much risk the athlete should take: athletes with strong skill execution or confidence may be able to use more attacking tactics, while athletes with weaker technique, fitness or decision-making may need more controlled options.
Individual strengths and weaknesses can improve performance because they make the strategy realistic and personal. However, they can also limit performance if the athlete becomes predictable, avoids necessary risks or cannot adapt when their preferred approach is not working.
4.2 Opponent strengths, weaknesses and player match-ups
The opponent matters because strategies and tactics are chosen to either:
- use your strengths against their weakness, or
- reduce the impact of their best strength.
This influences application in three clear ways:
- Where you attack or defend: teams often direct play towards the opponent’s weakest area.
- Who is involved: coaches choose which players take key roles so they can create an advantage or reduce a threat.
- How much risk you take: if the opponent is strong at cutting off passes or reading play, teams often use safer and more controlled options.
Opponent-based tactics can improve performance because they make the strategy more specific. However, they can also limit performance if the plan becomes too narrow. If the opponent adapts, the original tactic may stop working. An athlete or team may also focus too much on the opponent and move away from their own strengths.
4.3 Rules, regulations and officiating
Rules influence strategy and tactics because they set the boundaries for what is allowed, what is punished and what consequences follow. They affect how much pressure, contact, speed and risk an athlete or team can use without giving the opponent an advantage.
The important point is that rules do not always change the overall strategy. Often, the strategy stays the same, but the tactics must change. For instance, a team may still want to pressure the opposition, but it may need to apply that pressure with better timing, spacing and discipline if penalties are being called strictly.
Rules and officiating usually change tactics through three ways:
- Contact and contest: how much physical pressure is allowed changes defensive tactics. If officials are strict, athletes and teams must tackle, mark, block, screen or contest more carefully to avoid penalties, fouls or free kicks.
- Tempo and stoppages: rules about restarts, stoppages, advantage and time limits can change the speed of the contest. Faster play increases fatigue and gives athletes or teams less time to reorganise.
- Substitutions and interchange: limits on rotations influence whether a team can maintain high-intensity tactics for long periods, especially in sports that require repeated sprinting, tackling, pressing or defensive recovery.
This matters because a tactic can be effective in theory but too costly in practice. If the tactic repeatedly gives away penalties, fouls, free kicks, field position or possession, it may help the opponent more than it helps the athlete or team.
Rules and officiating can improve performance when athletes and teams adjust quickly. They can continue to apply pressure, control tempo or protect space, but with tactics that fit how the contest is being controlled. They can limit performance when athletes or teams refuse to adapt and keep using tactics that repeatedly give the opponent easy advantages.
4.4 Fatigue
Fatigue matters because it changes what an athlete or team can realistically execute.
This influences application in three clear ways:
- Technique quality: fatigue can reduce movement control, timing, accuracy and skill execution.
- Decision-making: tired athletes often make slower or less accurate decisions.
- Team structure: in group sports, fatigue can reduce communication, spacing, defensive organisation and repeated effort.
Fatigue can be managed through pacing, substitutions, rotations, recovery strategies and conditioning. If managed well, fatigue can become an advantage because the athlete or team may perform better than the opponent late in the contest. If managed poorly, fatigue can make even a strong strategy ineffective.
4.5 Game situation
The game situation matters because the best strategy and tactics can change depending on score, time, momentum and the stage of the contest.
This influences application in three clear ways:
- Score: leading, trailing or being level can change how much risk is appropriate.
- Time remaining: late-game situations can force athletes and teams to either protect an advantage or create scoring opportunities quickly.
- Momentum: when momentum shifts, athletes and teams may need to regain control before returning to more attacking tactics.
The game situation can improve performance when athletes and teams understand what the moment requires. However, it can also limit performance when pressure causes panic, predictability or overly cautious decision-making.
|
Game situation |
What teams often prioritise |
Typical tactical shift |
|---|---|---|
|
Leading late in the game |
Protect the lead and reduce errors |
Slow the pace, use safer options, focus more strongly on defence |
|
Trailing late in the game |
Create scoring chances quickly |
Increase the pace, accept more risk, attack more directly |
|
Momentum against you |
Stop the opponent’s run of success |
Simplify play, tighten defence, keep control of the ball, call a time-out if available |
Brief Summary
About the dot point and how to approach it
- Strategy is the overall plan that sets priorities such as tempo, risk, territory, and where to attack or defend.
- Tactic is the specific action chosen in the moment to solve an immediate problem as conditions and opponents change.
- Application changes to match what is realistic, safe, and most likely to succeed in that context.
- The directive verb is discuss: identify key issues and consider more than one relevant side, effect, or perspective for each factor.
1. Strategy and tactics
- A strategy gives direction and a tactic puts that direction into action.
- Strategies and tactics must suit the sport, the athlete or team, the opponent and the conditions.
- Individual and group sports show that strategy is the overall plan and tactics are the specific choices used to apply it.
2. Environmental conditions
- Environmental conditions influence application by changing what is realistic, what is risky and what is most likely to work.
- Wind can change what tactics are reliable by affecting ball flight, body position and movement direction.
- Rain and wet surfaces can reduce grip, footing and ball control, increasing slips and skill errors.
- Heat and humidity increase physiological strain and can require changes to pacing, rotations, hydration and tempo.
3. Group strengths and weaknesses
- Strategies and tactics must suit what the team can actually do well under pressure.
- Physical capacity influences which strategies and tactics are realistic across the game.
- Skill execution under pressure influences how complex, fast or risky strategies and tactics can be.
- Understanding team roles reduces hesitation and breakdowns in coordinated play.
- Teamwork and communication affect timing, support and shared decision-making under pressure.
- A group strength can improve performance but can become a limitation through predictability or over-reliance.
- Group strengths and weaknesses shape both the strategy and the tactics.
4. Other key factors that influence application
- Individual strengths and weaknesses influence what the athlete should use more often, avoid or protect, and how much risk to take.
- Opponent strengths, weaknesses and match-ups shape how athletes and teams use their strengths while reducing the impact of the opponent’s strengths.
- Rules, regulations and officiating set boundaries for what is allowed, what is punished, and how the contest flows.
- Fatigue changes what can realistically be executed by affecting technique quality, decision-making and team structure.
- Game situation changes what is most appropriate depending on score, time remaining and momentum.