1. Formations

2. Today’s main systems 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1
All other systems are derived from these.
Three functions of every system:
Attacking
Build-up
Defensive
Every system has it’s “pros & cons”
What are you prepared to “give up” ?
Players’ strengths and weaknesses (profile)

3. Traditional 4-4-2
Back 4 – one full back joined in, normally down his side of play
2 centre half's – good defenders particularly in air; not so comfortable in possession
Midfield 4 – well spread
One attack minded; One defensive minded

4. Name team’s with success of 4-4-2
Traditional 4-4-2
Wide players stay wide; work tram lines and support their full back
Wide players often out and out wingers
Central midfield – balanced 1 holding as attack develops, 1 linked with attack
Strikers – 1 target man; 1 quick player
Name team’s with success of 4-4-2

5. 4-4-2 Diamond Differences –
Back 4 – bigger responsibility for full backs to provide width, quite often at the same time
Screener/ holding midfield – linked to defence and often plays behind the ball
Wide players now play in-field – leaving space on outside for full backs to move into from deep

6. 4-4-2 Diamond
Advanced midfield player; responsibility to link with front 2, provide penetration with passes/dribbles
Strikers play together and at times apart, looking for balls down the side between centre half/full back

7. 10 9
4-4-2
Diamond 8 11 7 4 3 2 6 5
OFFENSIVE
SHAPE 1

8. 4-3-3 – version 1
Again back 4 consisting of 2 centre half's/ 2 full backs
Holding/screening midfielder
2 attacking midfield players
2 wide players (wingers?)
1 striker (target man)

9. 4-3-3 – version 1 Full backs need to support/provide the width
Screener protects the back 4 – centre of defence or full back area eg Dunga
Centre midfield players look to exploit space, in front of opponents and in behind
Wide players look to get 1 on 1 with opposition full back
Striker, good at leading the line/screening-protecting the ball and decent in the air

10. 4-3-3
Standard 9 11 7 10 8 4 3 2 6 5
OFFENSIVE
SHAPE

11. 4-3-3 – version 2 Differences
Two full backs encouraged to push on to provide the width
Two screeners/ holding midfielders; these stay close together and protect back 4
Advanced midfielder – link between defenders/ defensive midfield and attacking unit

12. 4-3-3 – version 2
Wide players play out to in on opposite side of attacking flank (becoming 2nd striker)
Striker needs to link play/ be bright in his movement and look for opportunities to get between defenders either by dribbling with the ball or receiving a pass
This can also translate into

13. 11 7
4-3-3
Standard 9 10 8 4 3 2 6 5
OFFENSIVE
SHAPE

14. 4 – 3 – 3 variation Based on central overload in midfield
Width provided by both FBs holding wide positions in attack and pushing high
Both wide MFs come infield and look to play behind opposition MF and in front of opposition Back 4 ( in the hole )
Creates a 5 man midfield against opposition with CMF holding to cover CHs

15. Selecting a “system of play”
Familiarity of system as a player
Familiarity of system as a coach
Tradition of the team
Views of the coach
Influenced by recent events i.e. Results

16. Question; Do players make the system or does the system make the players ?