SUN TZU, “THE ART OF WAR”

All Players are encouraged to read Sun Tzu, “The Art of War.”  We will study and analyze what we can learn from Sun Tzu, as his writing applies to the game of soccer.  This will enhance players’ decision-making abilities, and show how to create successful outcomes.

Chapter 1 – “Laying Plans”;

Chapter 2 – “Waging War”;

Chapter 1 – “Laying Plans”

“The art of war is governed by five constant factors, all of which need to be taken into account.” (Sun Tzu) We need to understand how these factors play a role in deciding what strategy and/or tactics need to be employed in a given game.

(1a) What are the five constant factors in regards to soccer?

(1b) Explain how these factors affect how we attempt to play the game.

(1c) Why can the five constant factors help predict the outcome of a match (victory or defeat) beforehand?

“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away…Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. ” (Sun Tzu)

(2a) Why are all individual soccer moves and team/group tactical movements based on deception?

(2b) Provide two or more detailed examples explaining how deception is used on the soccer field; at least one example should pertain to the individual, and at least one to the team.

(2c) Give at least one example of a good opportunity in a game to “feign disorder”.

“If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not

expected.” (Sun Tzu)

(3a) How do we separate our opponents’ forces on the soccer field?

(3b) How do we attack our opponent when and where they are unprepared?

“The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought… Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat…” (Sun Tzu)

(4a) What are some of the types of calculations needed to be made to secure victory on the soccer field?

(4b) How are these calculations used to secure victory?

Chapter 2 – “Waging War”

“If victory is long in coming, the men’s weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened.  If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength…” (Sun Tzu)

(1a) How are soccer players’ “weapons dulled” and “ardor dampened” on the soccer field?

(1b) Why can this affect the outcome of the game?

(1c) What can we do to prevent our “weapons” from “growing dull”?

“Though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been associated with long delays.”  (Sun Tzu)

(2a) Why is it necessary to be both clever and quick when making decisions and executing plans?

(2b) Provide an example how cleverness and quickness can be used to exploit an opponent.

(2c) Provide an example how taking too long to make a decision can be costly on the soccer field.

 “Forage on the enemy.”  (Sun Tzu)

(3) How (or where) do we “forage on the enemy” in a soccer game?

 “The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.  This is called using the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength.”  (Sun Tzu)

(4a) Why should we treat our defeated opponents properly and with respect?

(4b) How can this help our team?

 “Let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.”  (Sun Tzu)

(5) What does this mean to a soccer team?