total football

British  

noun

1. an attacking style of play, popularized by the Dutch national team of the 1970s, in which there are no fixed positions and every outfield player can join in the attack

---

Example Sentences

"It was more of a Pep philosophy in terms of total football even at that level," said Tardif, referring to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2024

Circa 2000, Hunt relocated to the Netherlands — the soccer-mad land of total football and the Oranje — to perform at the American-founded Amsterdam comedy theater Boom Chicago.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2021

Holland played effortless, beautiful total football in the early stages but lost their way in that famous final where they scored before the Germans had even touched the ball.

From The Guardian • Jul. 13, 2018

“He plays with a total football mentality,” Servais said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2018

As a player, Cruyff was the embodiment of Dutch "total football", a fluid style of play focused on ball possession and rapid passing, and involving all members of the team in both attack and defense.

From Reuters • Mar. 24, 2016