Examples of tactical thinking

The tactical thinking it is a mode of operational reasoning, that is, linked to action, which encourages quick decision-making. In other words, tactical thinking is what allows us to make the right decisions in the face of immediate situations, to take better advantage of the advantages and the context in which things they occur.

The tactic is usually closely linked to strategic thinking, since both respond to the use of available resources in the face of success. However, they differ in that the strategy is the design of a previous plan (that is, the theory), while the tactics is the management of the situation (that is, practice), making decisions that may or may not fit as planned previously.

For example: an army plans a war strategy at its base, designed by its generals and transmitted to its soldiers; but once on the battlefield, the commanders of each battalion can tactically adapt their actions to the specific needs that arise based on the actions of the enemy:

Tactical thinking involves the immediate and strategic evaluation of situations, and the design of plans to short-term or rapid responses and adaptations to maintain an advantage or achieve victories partials.

Tactical Thinking Examples

Some examples of tactical thinking are:

1. A basketball player perceives a gap in the enemy defenses and takes advantage of the moment to shoot from a distance, even though the team's plan was to play up close.
2. During a battle, a sergeant splits up his group of soldiers to set up a timely ambush on an enemy group whom he takes entirely by surprise.
3. In a game of chess, a player sacrifices an important piece in exchange for gaining a much more advantageous position on the board and moving closer to checkmate.
4. In the middle of a political debate, a candidate intentionally changes the central issue under discussion to enter areas that are more convenient for him.
5. A seller haggles with a buyer and, to convince him to make the purchase, he appeals to complicity and sympathy, but realizing that this does not work, he changes tactics and resorts to arguments rational and scientific.
6. In a tennis match, a player tries to hit the ball very close to the net to force her opponent to get closer. The latter perceives his intentions and adapts his tactics to prevent it, sending the balls towards the back of the court.
7. Normally, a boxer beats his opponents when he tires them out for many rounds, thanks to his own endurance. One day he faces someone more resistant than him, and realizing this, he opts for a fast, frontal combat that lasts a few rounds.

References:

• "Tactical thinking and its development" by Víctor López in the University of Girona (Spain).
• “Why be more like Amazon: strategic thinking vs. tactical thinking” in Stratedu.
• "Strategy, tactics and technique: definitions, characteristics and examples of controversial terms"in efsports.
• “Power Tool: Strategic Thinking vs. Tactical Thinking”in International Coach Academy.

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