Thursday, January 8, 2026
  • Login
  • Register
Total Football Analysis
Once.Sport - Free 14 Day Trial + 10% Off With Code TFA
  • TFA Magazine
  • TFA Podcast
  • Analysis
    • Data Analysis
    • Formations
      • 2-2-4 Formation
      • 2-3-5 Formation
      • 3-1-4-2 Formation
      • 3-2-2-3 Formation
      • 3-2-4-1 Formation
      • 3-1-6 Formation
      • 3-3-4 Formation
      • 3-4-1-2 Formation
      • 3-4-2-1 Formation
      • 3-4-3 Formation
      • 3-5-1-1 Formation
      • 3-5-2 Formation
      • 4-1-4-1 Formation
      • 4-2-2-2 Formation
      • 4-2-3-1 Formation
      • 4-2-4 Formation
      • 4-3-1-2 Formation
      • 4-3-3 Formation
      • 4-4-2 Formation
      • 4-5-1 Formation
      • 5-3-2 Formation
      • 5-4-1 Formation
      • 6-3-1 Formation
    • Head Coach Analysis
    • Match Analysis
    • Player Analysis
    • Recruitment Analysis
    • Set Piece Analysis
    • Tactical Theory
    • Tactical Preview
    • Team Analysis
    • Training Analysis
    • Tactical Analysis
    • Scouting Report
  • Competition
    • ALL Competitions
    • English Premier League
    • Champions League
    • La Liga
    • Bundesliga
    • Serie A
    • Ligue 1
    • Eredivisie
    • EFL Championship
    • FIFA World Cup 2022
    • WEURO 2022
    • Women’s Super League
    • NWSL
    • Belgian First Division A
    • A-League
    • Liga Profesional de Argentina
    • Austrian Bundesliga
    • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
    • DFB Pokal
    • 1. HNL
    • Danish Superliga
    • EFL League One
    • EFL League Two
    • FA Cup
    • EFL Cup
    • Indian Super League
    • K-League
    • J1 League
    • Liga MX
    • Copa América 2021
    • Copa del Rey
    • MLS
    • Eliteserien
    • Euro 2020
    • Primeira Liga
    • Scottish Premiership
    • Allsvenskan
    • Europa League
    • UEFA Nations League
    • Liga AUF Uruguaya
  • Coaches
    • All Coaches
    • Alfred Schreuder
    • Ange Postecoglou
    • Antonio Conte
    • Arne Slot
    • Bo Svensson
    • Brendan Rodgers
    • Bruno Lage
    • Carlo Ancelotti
    • Christophe Galtier
    • Claude Puel
    • Claudio Ranieri
    • David Moyes
    • Dean Smith
    • Diego Simeone
    • Domenico Tedesco
    • Frank Lampard
    • Eddie Howe
    • Edin Terzić
    • Emma Hayes
    • Erik ten Hag
    • Ernesto Valverde
    • Gennaro Gattuso
    • Gerardo Seoane
    • Gian Piero Gasperini
    • Giovanni van Bronckhorst
    • Graham Potter
    • Igor Tudor
    • Imanol Alguacil
    • Jesse Marsch
    • Jonas Eidevall
    • Jorge Sampaoli
    • José Bordalás
    • José Mourinho
    • Julen Lopetegui
    • Julian Nagelsmann
    • Julien Stéphan
    • Jürgen Klopp
    • Luciano Spalletti
    • Lucien Favre
    • Manuel Pellegrini
    • Marcelo Bielsa
    • Marco Rose
    • Marco Silva
    • Massimiliano Allegri
    • Mauricio Pochettino
    • Maurizio Sarri
    • Mikel Arteta
    • Niko Kovač
    • Nuno Espírito Santo
    • Oliver Glasner
    • Patrick Vieira
    • Paulo Fonseca
    • Pep Guardiola
    • Peter Bosz
    • Rafa Benítez
    • Ralf Rangnick
    • Ralph Hasenhüttl
    • Roger Schmidt
    • Roy Hodgson
    • Sean Dyche
    • Sérgio Conceição
    • Simone Inzaghi
    • Sonia Bompastor
    • Stefano Pioli
    • Steffen Baumgart
    • Steven Gerrard
    • Thiago Motta
    • Thomas Frank
    • Thomas Tuchel
    • Unai Emery
    • Vincenzo Italiano
    • Xavi
  • Teams
    • ALL Teams
    • AC Milan
    • Ajax Amsterdam
    • Arsenal
    • AS Monaco FC
    • Atalanta
    • Atlético Madrid
    • FC Barcelona
    • FC Bayern Munich
    • Borussia Dortmund
    • Celtic FC
    • Chelsea FC
    • Everton F.C.
    • Inter Milan
    • Juventus F.C.
    • Leeds United F.C.
    • Liverpool FC
    • Manchester City
    • Manchester United FC
    • Paris Saint-Germain
    • Rangers FC
    • RB Leipzig
    • Real Madrid CF
    • Tottenham Hotspur
    • West Ham United
  • Players
    • ALL Players
    • Alisson Becker
    • Bukayo Saka
    • Erling Haaland
    • Harry Kane
    • Jack Grealish
    • John Stones
    • Julián Alvarez
    • Kalvin Phillips
    • Kevin De Bruyne
    • Kyle Walker
    • Kylian Mbappé
    • Lamine Yamal
    • Lionel Messi
    • Luis Díaz
    • Mohamed Salah
    • Phil Foden
    • Virgil Van Dijk
  • Contact
  • Subscribe To TFA
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Total Football Analysis
No Result
View All Result
Home Analysis Formations 4-4-2 Formation

How To Coach A 4-4-2 Mid-Block With Rondo Examples – Tactical Theory

Kevin Martin by Kevin Martin
March 2, 2025
in 4-4-2 Formation, Analysis, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Tactical Analysis, Tactical Theory
Reading Time: 10 mins read
0
Coaching A 4-4-2 Mid-Block Like Mikel Arteta - football tactics theory

What Is A 4-4-2 Mid-Block?

The 4-4-2 mid-block is an out-of-possession strategy that features a flat back four, a midfield four, and two central forwards.

The set-up has three clear defensive lines occupying the middle third of the pitch.

The primary aim is to condense central areas and prevent teams from being able to play through the structure.

With a relatively low line of confrontation, teams will use the mid-block tactic to invite the opposition out of their defensive third.

This can provide opportunities to isolate the man on the ball and regain possession.

When possession is won, counterattacks can be launched into the vast space the opposition has left behind their defensive line.

This tactical analysis will examine the key principles and tactics involved in a 4-4-2 mid-block formation and how coaches can effectively implement this tactical theory.

Principles of a 4-4-2 mid-block

Tactical Theory: Use of wide defenders in a 4-4-2 - tactical analysis tactics

The 4-4-2 is a common out-of-possession formation in modern football, but it is less utilised in possession.

As shown in the tactical diagram above, this often means that teams must modify their attacking formation once they lose possession of the ball.

Keep Reading TFA With A Free 7 Day Trial

Login if you have a TFA subscription

Try TFA Risk Free For 7 Days

  • Full Access To TFA Articles
  • New Content 7 Days
  • Expert Insights
  • TFA Podcast Access
  • 7 Day Free Trial
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Subscribe For Free
    Tags: 4-4-2 Defensive Block4-4-2 Example4-4-2 Formation4-4-2 Mid Block4-4-2 TacticsArsenalArsenal Tactical AnalysisArsenal TacticsDefensive Football TacticsFootball CoachingFootball RondosFootball TacticsHow To Coach 4-4-2Mikel ArtetaMikel Arteta AnalysisMikel Arteta Tactical AnalysisMikel Arteta Tactics
    Kevin Martin

    Kevin Martin

    Kevin Martin is a UEFA A License holder. He has worked professionally as both a coach and an analyst.

    Related Posts

    Marco Silva Tactics At Fulham 20252026

    Marco Silva Tactics At Fulham 2025/2026: Built For Stability, Ready For A Bigger Stage? – Tactical Analysis

    by Kurosh Moghtader
    January 7, 2026
    0

    Marco Silva began his senior coaching career at Estoril (2011/2014), managing 116 matches with 1.66 PPM, building his reputation in...

    Iván Romero At Levante 20252026

    Iván Romero Scout Report At Levante 2025/2026: A System-Driven No.9 For Possession Teams – Player Analysis

    by Bola Atta
    January 7, 2026
    0

    In the 2025/2026 La Liga season, Iván Romero has emerged as a striker whose impact cannot be measured purely through...

    Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis

    Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis

    by Selim Ben Hmida
    January 6, 2026
    0

    Lazio hosted Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and the game ended with a convincing 0-2 away win for...

    Man City 1-1 Chelsea - tactical analysis (1)

    Manchester City Vs Chelsea [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: How Chelsea Held Firm After Enzo Maresca Exit – Tactical Analysis

    by Vedant Kharakwal
    January 6, 2026
    0

    Manchester City welcomed Chelsea in Gameweek 20 of the 2025/2026 Premier League season. The affair ended in a 1-1 draw as...

    Everton Full-backs 20252026

    Everton Recruitment Analysis 2025/2026: Why David Moyes’ Next Step Starts With Full-Backs – Scout Report

    by Aaron O'Shea
    January 5, 2026
    0

    Since his return, David Moyes has done a brilliant job at Everton. He has stabilised the side, restored a clear...

    Espanyol Barcelona Vs FC Barcelona La Liga 20252026

    Espanyol Vs Barcelona [0–2] – La Liga 2025/2026: How Barça Survived The Derbi Barceloní – Tactical Analysis

    by Jonas Bartsch
    January 5, 2026
    0

    The Derbi Barceloní has been a very emotional game for many years, delivering many highlights and scandals, such as Espanyol...

    Next Post
    Tactical Analysis - SSC Napoli vs Inter Milan - Serie A 2024-2025

    Serie A Title Race: Antonio Conte's Napoli Vs Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan - Tactical Analysis

    Coaching Patterns Of Play In 3-4-3 Like Gian Piero Gasperini - football tactics theory

    Coaching Patterns Of Play In 3-4-3 Formation Like Gian Piero Gasperini At Atalanta - Tactical Theory

    Set-Piece Analysis: Crystal Palace Set-Piece Tactics 2024/2025

    Oliver Glasner Set-Piece Tactics At Crystal Palace 2024/2025 - Tactical Analysis

    Your browser does not support the video tag.
    • Subscribe To Total Football Analysis
    • About Total Football Analysis
    • Contact Total Football Analysis
    • Write For Total Football Analysis
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cancellation / Refund Policy
    • Resources
    • Terms Of Service

    © 2025 TotalFootballAnalysis.com / PlanMoreTrips LLC

    Welcome Back!

    Sign In with Google
    OR

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password? Sign Up

    Create New Account!

    Sign Up with Google
    OR

    Fill the forms below to register

    All fields are required. Log In

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In
    No Result
    View All Result
    • TFA Magazine
    • TFA Podcast
    • Analysis
      • Data Analysis
      • Formations
        • 2-2-4 Formation
        • 2-3-5 Formation
        • 3-1-4-2 Formation
        • 3-2-2-3 Formation
        • 3-2-4-1 Formation
        • 3-1-6 Formation
        • 3-3-4 Formation
        • 3-4-1-2 Formation
        • 3-4-2-1 Formation
        • 3-4-3 Formation
        • 3-5-1-1 Formation
        • 3-5-2 Formation
        • 4-1-4-1 Formation
        • 4-2-2-2 Formation
        • 4-2-3-1 Formation
        • 4-2-4 Formation
        • 4-3-1-2 Formation
        • 4-3-3 Formation
        • 4-4-2 Formation
        • 4-5-1 Formation
        • 5-3-2 Formation
        • 5-4-1 Formation
        • 6-3-1 Formation
      • Head Coach Analysis
      • Match Analysis
      • Player Analysis
      • Recruitment Analysis
      • Set Piece Analysis
      • Tactical Theory
      • Tactical Preview
      • Team Analysis
      • Training Analysis
      • Tactical Analysis
      • Scouting Report
    • Competition
      • ALL Competitions
      • English Premier League
      • Champions League
      • La Liga
      • Bundesliga
      • Serie A
      • Ligue 1
      • Eredivisie
      • EFL Championship
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • WEURO 2022
      • Women’s Super League
      • NWSL
      • Belgian First Division A
      • A-League
      • Liga Profesional de Argentina
      • Austrian Bundesliga
      • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
      • DFB Pokal
      • 1. HNL
      • Danish Superliga
      • EFL League One
      • EFL League Two
      • FA Cup
      • EFL Cup
      • Indian Super League
      • K-League
      • J1 League
      • Liga MX
      • Copa América 2021
      • Copa del Rey
      • MLS
      • Eliteserien
      • Euro 2020
      • Primeira Liga
      • Scottish Premiership
      • Allsvenskan
      • Europa League
      • UEFA Nations League
      • Liga AUF Uruguaya
    • Coaches
      • All Coaches
      • Alfred Schreuder
      • Ange Postecoglou
      • Antonio Conte
      • Arne Slot
      • Bo Svensson
      • Brendan Rodgers
      • Bruno Lage
      • Carlo Ancelotti
      • Christophe Galtier
      • Claude Puel
      • Claudio Ranieri
      • David Moyes
      • Dean Smith
      • Diego Simeone
      • Domenico Tedesco
      • Frank Lampard
      • Eddie Howe
      • Edin Terzić
      • Emma Hayes
      • Erik ten Hag
      • Ernesto Valverde
      • Gennaro Gattuso
      • Gerardo Seoane
      • Gian Piero Gasperini
      • Giovanni van Bronckhorst
      • Graham Potter
      • Igor Tudor
      • Imanol Alguacil
      • Jesse Marsch
      • Jonas Eidevall
      • Jorge Sampaoli
      • José Bordalás
      • José Mourinho
      • Julen Lopetegui
      • Julian Nagelsmann
      • Julien Stéphan
      • Jürgen Klopp
      • Luciano Spalletti
      • Lucien Favre
      • Manuel Pellegrini
      • Marcelo Bielsa
      • Marco Rose
      • Marco Silva
      • Massimiliano Allegri
      • Mauricio Pochettino
      • Maurizio Sarri
      • Mikel Arteta
      • Niko Kovač
      • Nuno Espírito Santo
      • Oliver Glasner
      • Patrick Vieira
      • Paulo Fonseca
      • Pep Guardiola
      • Peter Bosz
      • Rafa Benítez
      • Ralf Rangnick
      • Ralph Hasenhüttl
      • Roger Schmidt
      • Roy Hodgson
      • Sean Dyche
      • Sérgio Conceição
      • Simone Inzaghi
      • Sonia Bompastor
      • Stefano Pioli
      • Steffen Baumgart
      • Steven Gerrard
      • Thiago Motta
      • Thomas Frank
      • Thomas Tuchel
      • Unai Emery
      • Vincenzo Italiano
      • Xavi
    • Teams
      • ALL Teams
      • AC Milan
      • Ajax Amsterdam
      • Arsenal
      • AS Monaco FC
      • Atalanta
      • Atlético Madrid
      • FC Barcelona
      • FC Bayern Munich
      • Borussia Dortmund
      • Celtic FC
      • Chelsea FC
      • Everton F.C.
      • Inter Milan
      • Juventus F.C.
      • Leeds United F.C.
      • Liverpool FC
      • Manchester City
      • Manchester United FC
      • Paris Saint-Germain
      • Rangers FC
      • RB Leipzig
      • Real Madrid CF
      • Tottenham Hotspur
      • West Ham United
    • Players
      • ALL Players
      • Alisson Becker
      • Bukayo Saka
      • Erling Haaland
      • Harry Kane
      • Jack Grealish
      • John Stones
      • Julián Alvarez
      • Kalvin Phillips
      • Kevin De Bruyne
      • Kyle Walker
      • Kylian Mbappé
      • Lamine Yamal
      • Lionel Messi
      • Luis Díaz
      • Mohamed Salah
      • Phil Foden
      • Virgil Van Dijk
    • Contact
    • Subscribe To TFA
    • Login
    • Sign Up

    © 2025 TotalFootballAnalysis.com / PlanMoreTrips LLC

    Are you sure want to unlock this post?
    Unlock left : 0
    Are you sure want to cancel subscription?