Soccer Formations

Inexperienced coaches often ask what "the best formation" is. There isn't one. A formation is supposed to make optimal use of your player's abilities. Since these abilities vary from one squad to another, the "best formation" is the one which most suits your available players.

4-4-2
This is a very popular and versatile formation whose variations permit the use of a sweeper or wingers. Many teams today use their own version of this system. The main strength of 4-4-2 is the defense-midfield interaction. The weakness is the two lone forwards who have to be constantly supported by the midfield.

4-4-2 is a bit more complicated in terms of off-the-ball movement compared to systems with three forwards such as 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. As mentioned above, one of the main offensive issues with 4-4-2 is that there are only two attackers playing upfront. In most cases, that is not enough to stretch apart an enemy defensive line of usually 4 opponents or more. To accommodate, you need to get your outside midfielders running up to the forward line. Whenever your team is building up an attack on one wing, the midfielder on the opposite side has to run up towards the enemy's far post (their blind spot)

4-3-3
This formation is commonly used by Dutch and youth squads. It allows the use of a sweeper and designates one player as a striker.
4-3-3 is easier for younger players to follow as opposed to 4-4-2. With 4-3-3, you need to have your outside forwards dropping back and helping with the build-up. It's very important to keep these guys near the sideline. Younger players tend to force the ball through the middle of the field. They need to learn to build up attacks by playing the ball outside and forward (not directly through the middle of the pitch)

3-4-3
3-4-3 is a classic formation, considered offensive by today's standards. In this system, one striker must consistently stay on the tip of the attack. He therefore should be able to hold his ground. In defense, the three fullbacks must work together as a unit. At least one midfielder needs to drop back and play in front of the defensive line. His job is to constantly pressure the ball so that the defense is never caught in a compromising position.

4-5-1
This formation crowds nearly all parts of midfield slowing down enemy attacks. From an offensive point of view, the system relies on wing attacks supported by the midfield. The downside is that the lone striker is left on his own up front and may become isolated.

3-5-2
Relatively modern formation that developed in response to the popular 4-4-2. It utilizes more efficiently the fourth fullback who frequently has little to do when defending against only two attackers.