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

Below, we examine six patterns of play that can be utilised in the 3-4-3 formation and similar formations, including 3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1, and 3-5-2.

Four patterns of play are designed for wide penetration, while the other two are intended for central penetration.

If you coach the 3-4-3 system or participate in any high-level coaching courses, such as the UEFA A or B licence, where patterns of play are a requirement, you may find the information below valuable.

While developing this series of passing and moving patterns, I share what has worked for me on the training ground, taking influence from some of Europes finest teams operating in this formation.

Among some of the most effective in attack this season is Gian Piero Gasperinis Atalanta, who are currently in a 3-way Serie A title race with Antonio Contes Napoli and Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan.

Gian Piero Gasperini tactics at Atalanta are a hot topic for tactical analysis writers this season, and it is no wonder why.

The Serie A side has owned the 3-4-1-2 formation while boasting the highest xG in Europe.

Why coach patterns of play

The bottom line is that we train patterns of play to help players identify and execute pre-determined passing and moving combinations to beat the opponents defence.

Sometimes, that may mean penetration to score a goal, and other times, it may also mean playing through the opponents forwards or midfield to overcome their defensive block or pressure.

If you are a coach, also consider individual and team confidence.

When the attacking team only plays in reaction to one another, they try to discover moments and gaps out of pure randomness to achieve success.

At the same time, the opponent can anticipate and defend.

The likely outcome is a high number of technical and tactical errors, which subsequently result in higher turnovers, potentially lowering a players confidence.

On the other hand, when you have a team that knows the system and can execute plays with minimal touches at a high speed, the opponent cannot always react to this, which in turn offers a higher chance of success.

3-4-3 Formation and variations

Just hearing a team play a 3-4-3 formation or a 3-5-2 formation does not tell us the full story of how each player or unit operates within that system, both in possession and out of possession.

The 3-4-3 is closely related to the 3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1, and the 3-5-2.

Depending on the staggered positioning of players at times, it is easy to misinterpret a teams formation for another.

Generally, a team that plays in a 3-4-3 usually drops one or two players from its frontline into midfield during the build-up phase.

In the case of learning and adopting patterns of play, I would not over-sensitise the perceived differences.

Considering that all of the patterns of play below can be applied to all variations of the 3-4-3 with minimal tweaking, approach the patterns below with an open mind and consider how slight changes can work for your style of play.

Above, the tactical annotation represents each players position in the 3-4-3 formation.

Note how the CF can easily be perceived as an attacking midfielder for average in-between distance from the midfield and the forwards.

In the patterns of play below, the players starting pos