{"id":1778,"date":"2021-09-02T18:18:56","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T18:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/?p=1778"},"modified":"2021-12-16T14:06:37","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T14:06:37","slug":"soccer-formations-and-tactics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/soccer-formations-and-tactics\/","title":{"rendered":"Soccer Formations and Tactics \u2013 the most used formations!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In order to best appreciate the following article, I would firstly recommend reading my previous article: <a href=\"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/soccer-position-numbers-1-to-11\/\">Soccer positions numbers 1-to-11<\/a> for it will ensure you have a solid understanding of how the traditional \u2018eleven\u2019 numbered players take to the field in a standard 4-4-2 formation, the system from which all other soccer formations developed. This will ensure you most easily understand the far more complex formations and \u2018set ups\u2019 that coaches\u2019 employ in differing leagues around the world today, which I will go on to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Soccer formations&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Four, Four, Two!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>4-4-2 is the \u2018granddaddy\u2019 of all Soccer formations. Quite simply it consists of four defenders, four midfielders and two attackers. It is a very solid and balanced formation which if played in a \u2018flat\u2019 style has little weaknesses. It is neither particularly attacking nor defensive in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The midfield is perhaps the key to the formation as they dictate the play of the game and each member should know when to help out both the defence and the attack according to how the \u2018flow\u2019 of the game is progressing. So, for example, if a team is under pressure then the midfield (and even the strikers) will \u2018sit\u2019 deeper on the pitch in order to relieve pressure on the defence. Conversely, if a team is attacking, the defence and midfield should move up the field as a \u2018unit\u2019 and help support the strikers in an effort to score goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is absolutely key to this system is its rigid nature \u2013 players <strong>must<\/strong> stick to their roles and should not and are not given license to move vastly out of position or the formation will be exposed by the holes that occur. If a player, say for example, the left back finds himself venturing into a more advanced role up towards the oppositions penalty area then it is imperative that he \u2018calls\u2019 to one of his team-mates (probably the left midfielder) to fill in for him. If he doesn\u2019t and the opposition win the ball then it is likely the opposing winger can expose a big hole that has been left and create a goal scoring chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"4-4-2 Tactics Explained! | Why the 4-4-2 Will Never Go Out of Style Formation Principles #4\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QMsQFwHRios?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Modern day<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different Soccer formations that have developed and are used throughout World Soccer. Different coaches look at the strengths of their teams and indeed the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent\u2019s team before deciding what system to employ. Some coaches tend to favour sticking to a \u2018set\u2019 system and will more often than not play that system \u2018week in week\u2019 out as this gives their side a cohesion, understanding and continuity in their play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>J\u00fcrgen Klopp at Liverpool FC for example rarely alters from a 4-3-3 set-up, citing this consistency of approach as a major reason for his recent successes. Pep Guardiola at Manchester City on the other hand (who is widely regarded as the greatest coach in modern club football) employs a variety of different soccer formations and systems from week to week according how he feels a formation will best suit each game. Let\u2019s however first start with 4-3-3,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Four, Three, Three<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 4-3-3 system is probably the second most commonly used soccer formation in World Soccer history and indeed today. As I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll have now gathered it consists of four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. Considered attacking in nature it is utilized by teams that are very good technically going forward both as a unit and at speed on the counter attack. Barcelona for example are notable exponents of this formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weakness:<\/strong> Its weakness if any is that it is a fairly centralized system which leaves space on the sides of the pitch for wingers or teams that play an expansive passing game to exploit. Similarly it can also be put under pressure by teams that play 5 players in midfield, as they simply swamp the area and then control the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To counter-act this, Managers who are proponents of this system, have started to use what is known as the \u2018high press.\u2019 In essence this is a tactic which sees constant pressure on the opposition, even in their own half. All players are tasked with \u2018harrying\u2019 opposition players so they do not have time on the ball to find the spaces 4-3-3 is susceptible to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mistakes and errors are then enforced and the ball is won back. Klopp at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolfc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liverpool<\/a> for example is said to insist his players try and win the ball back in under five seconds if they lose it. The reason &#8211; if you have the ball only you can score!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona have a different philosophy, they simply hardly ever lose possession of the ball!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The 4-3-3 Formation Tactics Explained | Formation Principles #3\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j-70s6zWTPY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Four, Five, One<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 4-5-1 formation is the first real defensive soccer formation that we\u2019ll take a look at. This system can be extremely difficult to play against for any team for several reasons. Notably, the team employing it, \u2018swamps\u2019 midfield in an effort to not just control the game but to place a \u2018strangle hold over it\u2019 by dominating possession.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also a system which is very difficult to score against, especially if played rigidly and \u2018flat\u2019 for there are effectively \u2018two walls\u2019 of defence in front of the goalkeeper that a team has to penetrate in order to score. This formation is not pretty to say the least but can be very effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jose Mourinho the infamous manager of some of the most extremely successful sides, (trophies wise), in history, including; Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, has made it into his very own \u2018art form\u2019. However, you would not see many soccer purists or even people who enjoy the game calling this \u2018artful\u2019, nor are you ever likely to see it employed to any extent in or by Brazil!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such is the dislike for this system, especially amongst successful sides fans, Mourinho, great manager that he is, has frequently been \u2018booed\u2019 and criticized by his own fans for using it (even if they are winning) as it is inherently boring! And whilst a \u2018win\u2019 is all that counts for Mourinho, modern day fans are no longer happy with just a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A successful team is expected to win, and win in style! Thereby \u2018parking the bus\u2019 in front of goal (as this system has come to be associated with) and largely just relying on a single big powerful center forward such as Didier Drogba or Romelu Lukaku to steal you a goal on the counter attack is not what people want or pay their hard earned money to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indeed, one manager (Brendan Rogers) was so incensed by it, that, when asked about it after a game he stated \u2018a bus? he parked two!\u2019 The other reason this system is universally heavily criticized is that it produces and is geared towards a low scoring game. Typically 1-0. However, it can be extremely effective and is also frequently used by sides that do not have the budget, players or skills to play any other way as it does grind out results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weakness:<\/strong> this formation does have one significant drawback \u2013 if the opposition side scores first, often from a \u2018set piece\u2019 such as a corner or free kick then it is very difficult for the team using this formation to get back into the game as it often requires \u2018wholesale\u2019 changes to the players\u2019 involved and the formation itself, just to try and get back into the match and earn a draw. \u2018Holes\u2019, inevitably then open up when this is done and opportunities to concede further goals occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three, Five, Two<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 3-5-2 soccer formation, was traditionally known as an \u2018Italian formation\u2019 as few outside of Italy would use it. However, under the modernization of the game this formation has become very popular, notably because it is easily switchable between a very defensive system and a very attacking system. A side that uses it frequently and very effectively is Manchester City &#8211; though they frequently \u2018tinker\u2019 with it throughout the match (as it is very adaptable) according to how the game is proceeding and in order to ensure the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic soccer formation however is set up as follows. The 3 defenders are three traditionally strong center-backs. The midfield 5 is not a flat midfield five as under 4-5-1. But instead consists of three hard-working yet creative center midfielders who run the game by controlling the center of the park and distributing passes as and where necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The center midfielders are augmented by two players on the \u2018flanks\u2019 to their left and right. Known as \u2018wing backs\u2019 it is their job to get to get up and down the touchline in order to get crosses in for their two strikers to get on the end of and also to get back and prevent opposition wingers doing the same should their side lose possession.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In modern club soccer and also at International level this has become a very popular formation as it lends itself to being easily changed by the players themselves \u2018in-game\u2019, to either attack or defend depending on the \u2018run of play\u2019. Indeed, it is also relatively easily changed by the coach or Manager to one of the three other systems previously mentioned should he consider that it is not working particularly well for his side in the specific game being played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internationally, Brazil, are largely credited with inventing \u2018flying\u2019 wing backs such as Roberto Carlos and Cafu, and frequently employing it in an attacking formation. Whereby, Germany have used it as a more defensive style of play with their wing backs such a Phillip Lahm helping both the defence and midfield out to ensure they remain a solid outfit which does not concede goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weakness:<\/strong> this soccer formation is highly susceptible to \u2018cross field\u2019 balls being hit into the \u2018channels\u2019 i.e the gap between the wing backs and the back three. Which in turn leads to clever players getting in behind the defence or to the \u2018by-line\u2019 to get crosses over or indeed have a direct run goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Four, Two, Three, One.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we move on to a more intricate yet commonly used modern soccer formation. This system is usually used by the more defensively orientated managers as well as by some at high level teams with players of great technical ability. Jose Mourinho has been known to use it with his sides and Gareth Southgate also used it recently on route to taking England to the finals in Euro 2020\/1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4-2-3-1<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4-2-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4-2-3-1.jpg 372w, https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4-2-3-1-229x300.jpg 229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The key reason why this soccer formation is used is the two players in front of the back 4 <strong>\u2018the holding or defensive midfielders\u2019<\/strong> help in effect create two teams. A strong back 6 which is very difficult to break down, whilst also forming the platform for an equally strong and fast attacking front 4 as they relieve those players of any defensive duties and give them license to express their talents and break down defences at will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A further reason for this formation is that it also helps control the center of the pitch and thereby often the game with 5 or even 6 players there, without even the need for a defender to step into this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Coaches, using this soccer formation, expect their 3 attacking midfielders to be very creative opening up spaces for the striker and full back. Paris Saint German are perhaps the best exponents of this formation as a very direct attacking system with the emphasis on Neymar, Di Maria and Mbappe (and now Messi) all running riot behind a central striker \u2013 Mario Icardi. Please refer to the above diagram for a better idea of how this system now operates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weakness<\/strong> \u2013 the extreme technicality of the system means that\u2019s if the players do not operate their roles absolutely correctly, particular the two defensive \u2018holding\u2019 midfielder\u2019s then chaos can ensue and teams can and do get torn apart when that happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly every player must be very comfortable on the ball and not lose possession, for if they do a fast counter attack from the middle of the pitch can occur and the ball ends up in their own net rather than their opponents!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Why the 4-2-3-1 Is the Most Used Formation in Modern Football | 4231 Tactics Explained |\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FvGKMjMVwAo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In order to best appreciate the following article, I would firstly recommend reading my previous article: Soccer positions numbers 1-to-11 for it will ensure you have a solid understanding of how the traditional \u2018eleven\u2019 numbered players take to the field in a standard 4-4-2 formation, the system from which all other soccer formations developed. This&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,325],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-soccer","category-news"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":1,"label":"Soccer"},{"value":325,"label":"News"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/soccer-formations-1024x573.jpg",1024,573,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Matthew Heys","author_link":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/author\/matthewheys\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":1,"name":"Soccer","slug":"soccer","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":504,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":1,"category_count":504,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Soccer","category_nicename":"soccer","category_parent":0},{"term_id":325,"name":"News","slug":"news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":325,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":155,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":325,"category_count":155,"category_description":"","cat_name":"News","category_nicename":"news","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1778"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2052,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778\/revisions\/2052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soccerballworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}