Tell me the last time you explained to your team various soccer formations by using a soccer field diagram? If you said “never” or “long time back”, it’s clear that your team is not completely aware of what formations and positions are.
Almost all coaches falter when they consider that spoken instructions are sufficient and the kids will learn everything through these. Formations on the field are an important subject and you should always discuss it with the players in advance.
The soccer positions of the players in every area from the defensive line are depicted in these by way of strategic choices made generally in terms of numbers. As a coach, you should go on interchanging the players during every single game so that the formations are not strict. Another thing worth mentioning is that these formations should be finalized keeping in view the individual strengths and weaknesses of the players.
Given below are certain formations that are frequently used in soccer:
4-4-2: This one is used most frequently. It derives its number sequence from the fact that there are four defenders, four midfielders and two attackers, not including the goalkeeper.
The most important role in this formation is played by the midfielders who support the forward players during defense. At the time of attack, they should move towards the goal line to support the defenders.
4-5-1: Having five mid-fielders and one forward, this is better known as a defensive formation. The greatest advantage with this formation is the inability of the opposition to attack simply because the midfielders are at the center.
And then because there is only 1 forward, it makes the midfielders go forward which frustrates the opposition to get the possession of the ball.
3-5-2: This comprises of three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards. This formation makes attacking as well as defending easy as 2 wingmen take up the attacking role and the center midfielder does not allow counter attacks from the opposition.
3-4-3: This is the most dynamic and aggressive formation on the soccer field diagram that is used by the team when it expects its opponents to play safe or defensive. With the aid of three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, the plan of action is to attack using the forwards and use the defenders in the event of the opposition tearing apart the defensive line.
You cannot adopt a particular plan for the entire match. It must change with the dynamics and situations of the game. So a coach should think proactively and rotate the players as required. But any formation can be either offensive or defensive.
Superior soccer tactics in formations play a deciding role in a team’s victory or defeat. As the game progresses towards action, the formation should change accordingly.
Now make the best use of soccer field diagram to teach the players. If you would like more information on formations, look no further than our youth soccer coaching community that has tons of information on coaching youth soccer.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Drills.
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