Totaalvoetbal (Total Football)

Totaalvoetbal is a tactical system in football in which any outfield player can take over the role of any other player on a team. It was developed by Rinus Michels, a Dutch football coach (of both Ajax and the Netherlands national team), in the late 60s and early 70s.

The tactical success of Totaalvoetbal depends largely on the adaptability of each footballer within the team, in particular the ability to quickly change positions depending on the on-field situation. The strategy requires players to be comfortable playing multiple positions; hence, placing high technical and physical demands on them. Totaalvoetbal was widely and successfully adopted by both club and national teams in winning tournaments (including the World Cup), though it ultimately (and ironically) failed to deliver a World Cup title to the Dutch national football team. Also see Catenaccio.