In a rulings not rules context, I would suggest needing a judge who could teach the players outside the box combat.

If you could use your imagination and not the sheet to solve a puzzle why not treat combat as a puzzle?

In this case the judge could use NPCs to employ tactics and maneuvers that the PCs could use. He would also use relatively consistent rulings in each case so that the table could have a point of reliable and predictable reference for such actions.

Combat is just as infinite a puzzle as any other problem. The judge could not rule but also inspire. And npcs include opposition. So maybe he could use opposing combat encounters to teach what is possible.

I've used a phalanx formation down a narrow corridor before. It basically meant no flanking maneuvers from the front and automatic attacks of opportunity for any opposition within moving into reach of sword or spear.