Tactical training is concerned with sport-specific decision making and reaction to situations, as well as the strategy and game plan for a chosen sport. This is usually trained using open drills requiring a reaction to an external stimulus, forcing the athlete to respond. Tactical training puts the technical tools to work, selecting the right tool for the right job and pieces together connecting techniques in response to an opponent's reaction and the rest of the team’s position.

An elite athlete should have a comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and experience of the following tactical attributes:

• Recognise and adapt to the state of the game
• Achieve winning performances by maximising strengths and exploiting weaknesses
• Understand and apply individual, unit and team roles and responsibilities
• Adopt varied playing styles and formations
• Perform effectively against varied playing styles and formations
• Deal with varied environmental conditions.