Alternative Formation

by Sandipan Dutta
(Maharashtra, India)

Adjustment

Objective of Drill: Checking out a possible 3-3-3-1 formation for away games (I am really enthusiastic about this as I recently started thinking seriously about football management)

Action of Drill: Of the 2 center halves generally employed in a 4-4-2 formation, one can be shifted to a more attacking zone.

Since this is basically for away games where we would try and pack the midfield (mostly teams use 5-4-1), the main concern is for the lone striker who is crowded even if the ball comes to him.

If you do play long balls, there is no point in trying to 'pack' the midfield, as the opponents will regain possession which leads to continued pressure on your team.

In a 3-3-3-1 the the 3 midfielders just behind the striker can stay near the half line to receive long balls.

If one of them receives the ball, the other 2 can move out to the wings resulting in a diamond formation, with at least 3 of the 4 involved being present in the box to receive the cross.

The 5-4-1 generally employs the 4 midfielders as having a more defensive role.

This allows the opposing team enough time to get into shape before a meaningful counter attack is launched.

Also, here the role of the defensive midfielders is almost like those of defenders, resulting in a total of 6 defenders in the worst situation.

So, there is a strong enough backline and this strategy is more likely to lead to more successful counter-attacks.

Coaching Points: 1.Zone 1 (nearest to the GK) is to have one center half, and two good fullbacks.

2.Zone 2 is two have another center half and 2 wing - backs.

3.Zone 3 is to have the standard midfield positions required in a 4-3-3.

4.The last man(Zone 4) should be more of a center-forward and not necessarily a good striker, since he is expected to connect with crosses and not do most of the hard-work as in a 5-4-1