jugadas

Jugada is a noun in Spanish that denotes a sequence of actions or maneuvers designed to gain an advantage in a game or sport. It can refer to a single move or a coordinated set of actions by players, and may be planned or improvised during play.

In team sports such as soccer, basketball, and American football, jugadas include individual moves and organized strategies. A jugada ensayada is a rehearsed sequence practiced to execute under game conditions, while a spontaneous jugada emerges from reaction to the defense or opponent.

In soccer, examples include passing combinations that lead to a goal, set-piece routines from corners or free kicks, and feints designed to mislead defenders. In basketball, plays create favorable matchups through screens, cuts, and ball movement. In football, plays advance the ball or surprise the defense with misdirection.

The term also appears in other contexts, including card games and chess, where a "jugada" denotes a strategic move or sequence of moves. More broadly, it is used metaphorically to describe a clever or decisive tactic in competition or performance.

Coaches and analysts study jugadas to improve execution, timing, and decision-making. The effectiveness of a jugada depends on communication, spacing, player skill, and the ability to adapt to the opponent's reactions.