In this article/blog, I will try to review some of the tactical aspects that can be used within the game, such as; formations and style of playing, as well as principles within the attacking & defending phases.
A great football team is well organized, which means, that the team plays with a well thought idea & structure with roles and expectations.
When using team tactics, it's a way of applying a set of basic tactical principles, and each team must find the best way, that gives them the best offensive and defensive options. By working with tactical principles, the players can learn how to position/move themselves in approriate ways. This provides a better opportunity for the team to keep possession of the ball and defend correctly, at the same time, they gain a mutual understanding of the tactic. The players shouldnt be ”locked” in certain movement patterns/paths, but instead be giving opportunities to use in the attacking & defensive phase.
Formations
A playing system consist of a starting formation and guidelines for the attacking & defending phases and how they are performed. Systems/formations are expressed by number combinations, that indicates how many players (in the team's starting lineup) who are playing in the defense, midfield and attack.
For example, a 4-4-2 formation, consists of 4 players in the defense, 4 players in the midfield and 2 players in the attack.
Even if you put a specific number combination for your style of play, it doesn't mean, that the team are playing like that - but more a way the team organizes itself.
A game system/formation is 9 out of 10 times adapted to the players individual qualities and skills, to give the team the best conditions for attacking and defending.
Here's a list with a few formations and playing systems you can use in football:
With 3 defenders:
3-1-4-2 / 3-4-1-2 / 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 / 3-5-2
With 4 defenders:
4-1-3-2 / 4-1-4-1 / 4-2-2-2 / 4-2-3-1 / 4-2-4 / 4-3-2-1 / 4-3-3 / 4-4-1-1 / 4-4-2 / 4-5-1
With 5 defenders:
5-2-1-2 / 5-2-2-1 / 5-3-2 / 5-4-1
Description of three formations (4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2)
4-4-2:
The defensive back chain is most often set up with 4 players in line, or, one player moves backwards, so the player plays like a "sweeper" role. The midfield can be set up in many different ways, such as: diamond, line or symmetrical. The two attackers are primarily positioned in the center of the field.
The Defending Phase:
In the defending phase, regarding the 4-4-2 formation and my description of it, I will put the team to practice area coverage, which means; that a player in the defensive phase is responsible for an area/zone on the field!
The two attacking players should be able to work closely together, if the opponents for example plays out to their fullback, then the first attacker have to put pressure/attack/defend the new ball carrier, while the other striker cover the opponents centre backs.
Regarding the midfield, it can be set up in several ways. And if you as a coach prefer to play in one way, where the team for example "invites" the opponents to play in central, you can set up the midfield to preform that way.
The effectiveness of the defensive chain depends on the ability of the players to make a coherent side shift in relation to the changing defensive situations.
The Attacking Phase:
In the attacking phase, it will be very usefull if the backs can provide width, as well, being able to particiapte in the attacking phase with runs, passes, crossings etc.
Both centre backs should position themselves in positions where they can provide support/cover in the build-up.
The midfielders should be able to create space for themselves but also for the backs to use the created space. This means, that the midfielders should possess qualties/skills that can give them advantages in the attacking phase. The midfielders also have to be able to provide support for the two attackers by e.g. to make diagonal runs into the opponents' defensive zone. Some of the midfielders must also be in the attacking zone to receive a possible pass, or be ready outside the box to follow up on loose balls.
The two strikers/attackers must move as a pair (like mentioned before), and be aware of each others position on the field. For example, if one striker runds towards the ball onto own half of the field, the other one runs into the free space created. However, they can occasionally choose to run out wide to make space for one or more midfielders to use the space created.
4-3-3
The Defensive Phase:
Again, we work with the team focusing on zone coverage.
The midfield can be the vulnerable part of the defensive work and a careful organization of the 3 players' work responsibilities is therefore required. As a relief to the midfield, one back can push further forwards to seek out an opponent. The attackers have significant defensive tasks, partly in the pressure of the opponents and partly by covering the opponents' backs and midfielders.
The Attacking Phase:
The system is basically offensive, as the team plays with "three strikers". The defensive chain should preferably play the ball quickly up to the attackers, while the midfielders seeks forward. Depending on the receiving player's position and technical characteristics, the pass may be directly onto the attacker or a free area behind the opponents' defense. If the central striker runs down towards the ball to receive a pass, the space behind him can be used by one of the midfielders coming from behind. If the central attacker's is a strong header, one of the other attackers can search into the central area, in order to take advantage of any return balls.
If you have a fast wing, such as Salah from Liverpool, the free area behind the defense/backs can be used for a quick attempt for a breakthrough.
If you play with two advanced midfielders, you set up the possibilty for a passing combination between midfield and the attackers. If only played with an offensive midfielder, his most important task is to play / be the focal point for the attackers, possibly. by balls in depth to finish or crossings, as well as support the central striker.
3-5-2
The two previous formations, they had four players in the defensive back line. But this type of formation (3-5-2), will have focus on a 3-man defensive back line, which can provide opportunities for two of the centre backs to manage the opponents' striker(s), where the last centre back can work as a sweeper / libero.
The midfield have also changed, now with three man in the central midfield, and two wingbacks. The central midfielders can position them on line, one DM and two CM etc. (depending on the team and the opponents'). There are also two strikers, where one usually works centrally on the field, where the other near the ball side.
The Defensive Phase: In this way of defending it gives some opportunities, that two out of the three centre backs can use man-marking, so they always in the defensive zone are close to the opponents' attacker(s). In most cases, they could work on trying to win the 1st ball,as they have a defender behind them (support)/cover). The strength of this formation lies in a defensive "security" in the central area in front of the goal and the midfield. On the other hand, the system is "weaker" on the sides, where the opponents' now have the opportunity for a breakthrough, if one of the wingbacks is positioned to high on the field or way to central.
The Attacking Phase
In the attacking phase, the centre back (sweeper/libero) should position himselves in a playable position, so the goalkeeper have the opportunity to pass it to him. The two other centre backs (right/left) should move out in a wider position to create space for the sweeper/libero to receive - or, create space for themselves to receive. The two wingbacks must also position themselves wide. When the ball is passed out, one of the wingbacks should run towards the ball/ball side, so they create an advantage in that side. It is important that the wingbacks takes advantage of the space on the sides and in the breakthroughs, so they can get to the backline to make crossings. A great way to create a breakthrough on the sides, could be a well-timed teamwork with one of the midfielders, with using overlap.
The strikers have to position themselves centrally on the field, and sometimes make some deep runs towards the side where the ball is played (behind the opponents' defense).
Conclusion:
This is just thoughts, ideas & inspiration I have gathered as player, coach & scout. I am not saying this is what every coach should do or use in their formations/playing styles, but just how I see it. Football is always developing, and I am also trying to develop - and often try new things in the training sessions. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt - but after my opinion, if you don't take a chance once in a while, you will not develop. Learning by doing.
But all in all, formations can be created as it fits for the coach, the club and the players.
At some point you will find exactly the one formation that fits you and your team - and then you can strenghtn that formation over time - but remember, as mentioned, football is always delveloping.
Thx for reading this..
best regards
Kristoffer Kvistgaard
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