How To Coach Patterns Of Play In 4-4-2 Formation – Tactical Theory

Below, we examine eight patterns of play that can be utilised in the 4-4-2 system; four are designed for central penetration, while the other four are intended for wide penetration.

If you are coaching the 4-4-2 system or participating in high-level coaching courses, such as the UEFA A or B licence, where patterns of play are a requirement, you may find the following valuable.

First, we look at the patterns, but more importantly, we show you how you can get success on the training ground through the use of field mapping and the players discovery of what ifs.

Below, we will look at:

1. Why train patterns of play
2. Central patterns
3. Wide patterns
4. The training ground
5. Getting success

Why train patterns of play

Bottom line, 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, other times it may also mean playing through the opponents forwards or midfield to get through their defensive block or pressure.

Executing patterns does not consistently deliver the desired results; however, depending on the targeted outcome, secondary success can be achieved.

Consider that creating a goal-scoring opportunity was the aim, having been stopped short in the execution of the pattern of play, your team could have won a corner, penalty or free-kick in a dangerous area.

Nevertheless, even retaining possession through good passing and movement can serve to disorganise the opponents defence, allowing your team to redistribute possession to another area of the field and increase their chances of penetrating.

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

When the attacking team is only playing in reaction to one another, this means they are trying 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 lot of technical and tactical errors that subsequently result in higher turnovers, which weigh on 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.

Below we have an example of how Juventus used a pre-determined pattern of play to play through and penetrate the Inter Milan defence in their most recent Serie A meeting.

Notice that Inter Milan have man-marked all of the Juventus players in their half.

The passing and moving combination used here by Juventus is represented as Pattern: Wide C below.

Above, we see that Juventus RB is looking to play a forward pass to progress the attack.

Moments before the RB plays the pass, the CM Aaron Ramsey makes an angled run from the centre to the right side of the field.

As the CM vacates the space, the CF Gonzalo Higuaín drops in to receive the pass