1442 or 11342 formation

Jon RoyceCoach, England

Hi Dean,

Plenty of teams use this structure, of essentially four in midfield.

In Possession they can be played as a diamond facilitating links between the lines or can be used to create width the two wide players as deep lying wingers with two holding players central.

In defence, the four midfield players can be used by having two as screens for the back four, working in an old fashione full back shape 'See-saw' (higher on the ball side and the deeper player protecting the route to goal) with the two outside players marking inside forwards. It is difficult to press from this formation and you'll defend half court and look to counter. You'll need to be clear as your opponents advance with the ball from central defence who is going to close. There are a number of options here depending on your strengths and those of your opponents.

Hockey CoachCoach

For me this is very much a counter attacking style. As stated above the press is difficult. Personally I am in favor of numbers in midfield as untill you play at a high standerd winning the midfield spine is often the key. It is a good system to start a match with but then press later in the game. I have also found (to my cost) that trying to overcompliacte things can be counter productive. The best way is just to score more goles than the opposition.