The Evolution of Football Tactics: A Historical Overview Posted on July 2, 2025 | Football News Today Hub Football tactics have undergone a remarkable transformation since the early days of the sport. From the classic formations of the early 20th century to the complex strategies of the modern game, tactics have always been at the heart of football’s evolution. In this post, we take a look at how football tactics have evolved over the years. Early Years: The 2-3-5 Formation In football's early days, teams used the 2-3-5 formation, known as the "Pyramid". This setup focused heavily on attack, with five forwards, three midfielders, and two defenders. While it delivered plenty of goals, it often left defences exposed. The W-M Formation Revolution In the 1920s, Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman introduced the W-M formation (3-2-2-3). This gave teams more defensive balance while maintaining attacking threat. It influenced English football for decades. The Rise of...