Rules
The Offside Line Starts with the Pass
Understand football offside by checking the instant a teammate plays the ball, then comparing the attacker’s position…
The reading list
All articles
Browse explanations of rules, tactics, roles and formats. Each piece starts with one question to help you follow what is happening in the game.
Tactics
Man-to-Man or Zone Defence: Two Ways to Guard Space
Man-to-man or zone defence in basketball assigns attention differently. Learn what each protects, where it can be…
Formats
Why Tennis Uses a Tiebreak to Settle a Long Set
Why tennis uses a tiebreak: learn how it settles a close set and what to watch in the serve order, return patterns…
Roles
The Volleyball Setter’s Job Starts Before the Set
The volleyball setter’s job is to turn a pass into a playable attack by reading the ball, coordinating with hitters…
Match Reading
A Basketball Screen: Watch the Defender's Choice
Read a basketball screen by spotting the defender’s route, the ballhandler’s available space, and whether a shot…
Our point of view
Every game has a logic worth learning.
We explain the rules and choices behind sport without assuming you already know the jargon. Start with one question, then watch the game with a sharper eye.