We go very deep into football tactics and strategies on this site, and in this article we will take a step back a little and look at tactics as a whole. Understanding how and why teams set up the way they do increases your enjoyment of the game. It also puts those who are betting on football, or taking advantage of any of the numerous offers available at sites such as oddschecker, in a position to put their knowledge to use. Betting has become a part of the sport and understanding teams, form and, importantly, strategy, can help to refine predictions.
Here we will set out in basic terms the most popular tactics utilized in the game today, giving you an understanding what they are and the strengths and weaknesses of each formation.
4-4-2
4-4-2 is the most basic formation there is and the one that was used through the English leagues for much of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. It has fallen out of favor in recent years, as the emphasis has shifted towards possession and passing, both of which are where this formation comes unstuck.
Strengths
Two center forwards means that the defending team always has at least two of their center backs occupied with keeping them in check. It is a very balanced formation, one where, no matter where the ball is, the team will have enough players in position to win it back. When they do, they can then launch a counter attack. If the team does not win it back, there should also be enough defensive players between the ball and their own goal to diffuse any threat.
Midfield is a crucial area, and with four dedicated midfield players strung across the pitch, plus the opportunity for the front two to drop deeper and fill any gaps, it makes it incredibly hard for the opposing teams to play forward.
This formation’s simplicity also means that players know their role and can stick to it, even if they are playing in a position that is perhaps not their first choice.
Weaknesses
As alluded to earlier, 4-4-2 is not so suited for playing possession based football. The rigid structure means that players will find it hard to get into positions where a forward pass gets play up the field. Play can become predictable and hence easy to defend against.
4-3-3
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Caption: Time and practice on the training field allows teams to adapt their formations
The 4-3-3 strategy adopts three central midfield players behind an attacking three made up of one central striker and two attacking wide players. As possession became more important, this was the formation many opted for in order to make it easier for players, especially in midfield, to find a someone in space – not just in space, but in a position that will advance the play.
Strengths
Though there is one less player in midfield, the beauty of this formation is that it gives a team three central midfield players. If they are playing against a side with just two central midfielders, the side with a 4-3-3 will always have a spare man with which to make a triangle. Added to that, if the two wide players are able to push forward, the entire back four of the opposition side have their hands full, giving an overload in front of the center backs in midfield.
Weaknesses
There are two main potential issues with this system. If the two attacking wide players are not able to push the full backs back, the central striker will become isolated and be faced with being heavily outnumbered. It relies on that central striker working incredibly hard, and it is not a role that suits all forward players. The three central midfielders can also be out numbered themselves, usually by teams adopting a diamond in midfield.
3-5-2
With more and more games being decided in the middle of the park, it seems logical to put an extra player in that position. That is exactly what this formation sets out to do. One of its biggest proponents is Antonio Conte.
Strengths
It is not just numbers that this tactic gives to a team’s armory in midfield, but width as well, enabling them to stretch play and create space. This means that there is far less onus on the physical side, requiring far less movement from each individual player in order to create passing opportunities.
The midfield unit of five provides width to build around the opposition and numbers in central midfield to play through them, without the need for much in the way of movement or rotations. The three central midfielders can draw opponents into the middle of the pitch, before play is then spread wide to the wing-backs. They can then provide width on both sides at the same time.
The formation should ensure that the back three, four or even five is constantly occupied, as long as the wide players are able to get forward. The extra numbers in midfield allow for the use of at least one attacking midfield player, giving a very real extra threat in the areas that will hurt the opposition.
Defensively, the 3-5-2 is strong too, as it gives the flexibility to play with three at the back or five when the wing backs drop into a fullback position.
Weaknesses
The strength of this formation is also its weakness. Once the wingbacks drop back, the number advantage the team enjoyed in midfield is wiped out. It is very reliant on those two wide men being brave and being able to push up the park. If they are not able to do that, it can result in any forward potency being all but eliminated.
There are many other formations, including the 4-2-3-1 and the 3-4-3, both of which are modifications on the ones we have discussed. Although having a clearly defined structure is important, a team should also have the ability to change and adapt their formation as and when the need arises. That requires players to read the game and communicate – both taking on and giving instructions – like never before.
In a game where fine margins mean the difference between success and failure, getting the formation right is absolutely crucial. That means having the right players out on the pitch to play against the opponent’s side, and having the tactics right to play against theirs.
