The “W” method or illusory formulas
Maurice Pefferkorn | 29/03/1935

One of the big talking points of the current football season is team tactics, and particularly the so-called W tactics. There is strong argument in its name. There are supporters and there are opponents. Some want to see in it the great idea of post-war football. The others believe that it constitutes an error or at the very least a simple variant of the classic method.

We will use the example of the recent France-Germany to show how these discussions are illusory and futile.

The French W.

The French team had, it seems, received the mission to apply the W method. For their part, the Germans pride themselves on being its convinced partisans.

This is coach Otto Nerz's greatest claim to fame. But the coaches do not disdain to advertise themselves. Let's see how the France team applied the advice given to them.

The W method wants the insiders to play folded. Duhart, who is naturally lymphatic, agrees willingly with this opinion. It's quite in his temperament, just as it is in the temperament of Alec James to operate away from the action of the forward line. On the other hand, Beck operated quite differently, so much so that on many occasions he found himself in shot position near the German goals and that he was often the sharpest forward in the line. On the other hand, Duhart, as usual, frequently moved to the right, so that he was actually playing the role of attacking half.

Is this called applying the W method? No, probably. Everyone seems to agree on this point.

The German W.

And let's turn to the German team. We have noticed that the insiders frequently go back. But they didn't stay there. They were also often on the attack and actually played a real role as sheepdogs, tirelessly and courageously.

But is that really what the W method consists of? We think not. Where is the originality in that? Haven't we all read, in textbooks, since our most tender adolescence, that the role of insiders is a role of connection, that to hold it a lot of abnegation and physical resistance is necessary, that it is necessary always be on the move. In applying these precepts, have not the German Inters shown themselves attentive disciples of the classical method? And if the German attack proved so often dangerous, it was because in reality it was complete, because the insiders scrupulously played their role.

So, among the Germans, there was no more application of the method of W.

Conclusion.

Is this famous W only a myth? It is only really realized when the two Inters are constantly behind their line. At that time they are reproached for neglecting the attack. We fear that the W is only a distortion, a negative exaggeration of the classical method, or a mere appearance.