4-3-3 GAME MODEL
Arguably one of the most popular formations in modern football the 4-3-3 has become widely appreciated as a solid strategy in all phases of the game, allowing for superb defensive coverage when out of possession, but also an extremely good system when building play through short passes and combinations, especially through the three central midfielders.
4-3-3 INITIAL SET-UP
4-3-3 FORMATION STRENGTHS POINTS:
1. Provides excellent balance in central midfield with three cms.
2. The number six acts as a defensive screen for the back four.
3. A deep midfielder allows the fb’s more freedom to join the attack.
4. The balance in the middle allows for one or two of the cm’s to join the attack.
5. Natural wide players allows for penetration in wide areas, supported by the fb’s.
6. The sytem creates natural passing triangles when in possession.
7. Defensively, the formation can shift to a 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1 and provides good defensive coverage when in a mid/low block.
8. Provides good balance with three central midfielders.
9. Addition of a defensive midfielder allows for added balance in the four phases.
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10. System creates natural passing triangles/diamonds to progress play.
11. The formation can be naturally flexible and adapt to specific match situations.
4-3-3 FORMATION WEAKNESS POINTS:
1. The system relies on good defensive discipline from the number six to protect the defence, if this isn’t the case then the back four can be easily exposed.
2. The FB’s can become isolated 2v1 if the wingers in the system are caught high up the pitch.
3. The absence on a ‘number 10 means there is a natural lack of creativity in and around zone 14, although the system can easily switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation with a number ten.
4. The cf can become isolated if the system shifts to a 4-5-1 in a mid/low block.
5. FB’s can become isolated if the wingers are not disciplined in the defensive transition and when out of possession.
6. A lack of a ‘number 10’ can mean the supply from midfield to forwards becomes disjointed in and around zone 14, although the system can shift easily to a 4-2-3-1 to combat this.
7. CF can become isolated if the team operates in a 4-5-1 low-block.
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