THE 4-3-3 FORMATION contd.

MIDFIELD(PART 1)

Three midfielders are used. There are 3 options for how the midfield stands;

*1 defensive midfielder, 1 central midfielder and 1 attacking midfielder.

*2 defensive midfielders and 1 attacking midfielder.

*1 defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders.

1 defensive midfielder, 1 central midfielder and 1 attacking midfielder: One of the midfielders is allotted a free role. This option works best if the team has one midfielder who is a box-to-box player. The defensive midfielder maintains a centralized position and acts mainly as a ball winner and a distributor, if possible. Technically, the team playing this formation is expected to dominate play. This option allows for the team to pick and spray passes all around the pitch. This is because the presence of 3 players at the middle, each with a defined role helps produce dominance and control of the game. It is only in rare cases using this option that the defensive midfielder is allowed to push forward. This is because even if one of the defenders join the attack, the defensive midfielder is to cover for him. Only a good ball winner with brilliant tackles is played in this position. The central midfielder is required to have a high work rate and strength thereby fitting into a free role. He runs through the midfield, defense as well as attack. He picks the ball from the full backs and defensive midfielder and dictates the pace of the team. If a skimmer is played in this position, it is an added advantage. In play, the central midfielder is required to play every position on the field.

THE 4-3-3 FORMATION

The formation fields 4 defenders, 3 midfielders and 3 attackers. It became the most common formation in recent years following the advanced technicalities introduced in the game.

DEFENDERS

Two central defenders and two full backs, one on either flank. Usually, one of the central defenders stands as the sweeper and the other as the last man. Special attention is given to the full-backs. The full-backs are given an additional task of initiating attacks. They roam forward and are required to perform their defensive roles as well.

Full Backs: The left and right full backs provide width and attacking options for the team. Players with a high work-rate, speed and good delivery are used in these positions. These qualities they have to combine with their sound defensive abilities. The rate at which a player can overlap and return to perform his primary duty of defending is of great importance. In most teams using this formation, it has been discovered that one of the full-backs is always more attacking than the other. Sometimes, one wonders if this is only natural or a game plan. When a team is attacking in most cases, the full backs run the flank through to the opponent’s goal line. Tactically, the full-backs are to play as the wingers as the wing forwards either play into the mid-field or the attack. The prevalence of this formation in modern day football has almost made it compulsory for full-backs to play long into the attack, regardless of the formation being used. It has also been observed over time that the full-backs initiate most of the attacks. The mid-fielders pick the balls from the defenders, spray to the full-backs who play back to the mid-fielders and run forward for a return pass.

The ability to alternate speed and break runs are additional qualities a full-back should possess.

Only players with good technique, speed, good ball delivery and work rate can successfully play these positions. Most football lovers hold the view that the idea of full-backs pushing into attack started with Cafu and Roberto Carlos in the 2002 FIFA Mundial.

to be continued

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