Playing in the 4-2-3-1 Formation

The 4-2-3-1 is used by teams who prefer _____

• a counter-attacking approach

• to "Park the Bus"

• possession

• playing with a single pivot

Answer explanation

The 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maintain possession of the ball, allowing teams to control the game and create scoring opportunities, making 'possession' the correct choice.

Teams often use the 4-2-3-1 formation because it provides (chose all that apply)

• opportunities for center backs to move up the pitch

• a more solid defensive base

• a double pivot to help manage transitions out of the back

• opportunities for a high press

Answer explanation

The 4-2-3-1 formation offers a solid defensive base with two holding midfielders, creating a double pivot that aids in transitions. This structure enhances defensive stability and helps manage the team's shape during play.

When playing out from the back, the pivots should play

• behind the first two lines of pressure and between midfield and the center circle arc

• within about six feet of each other

• high and wide

• behind the first line of pressure and between the players of the first line of pressure

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'behind the first line of pressure and between the players of the first line of pressure' because it allows pivots to receive the ball in a safer position, facilitating effective play out from the back.

Ideally, we want to build up through our pivots, but when that's not available, and the play goes out to the outside back, it's critical to

• support the fullback so he doesn't become isolated

• move the wings and forwards high for a long ball

• collapse the formation to reduce space for the opposition

• have the remaining nine field players drop in to cover

Answer explanation

Supporting the fullback is crucial to prevent isolation when the play goes outside. This ensures he has options and can effectively contribute to the attack, maintaining team shape and balance.

Once in the attacking third, the 4-2-3-1 formation changes to a

• It stays in 4-2-3-1

• 4-3-3

  four defenders, three mids, three attackers

• 2-3-5

  Two defenders, three mids, five attackers

• 2-4-4

  Two defenders, four mids, four attackers

Answer explanation

In the attacking third, the 4-2-3-1 formation often shifts to a more aggressive setup, typically becoming a 2-3-5, which features two defenders, three midfielders, and five attackers to maximize offensive pressure.

A lot of the attacking opportunities in the 4-2-3-1 come from

• the striker winning

  1 v 1s

• wide trios

• playing directly over the top

• shots from outside the 18

Answer explanation

In the 4-2-3-1 formation, attacking opportunities often arise from wide trios, as they create space and overloads on the flanks, allowing for effective crosses and cutbacks into the box.

When attacking through the wide trios, the remaining 4 defenders must maintain

• width

• distance between themselves and the opposition

• a high line

• balance in rest defense

Answer explanation

When attacking through the wide trios, maintaining balance in rest defense is crucial. This ensures that the defenders are positioned to effectively counter any counter-attacks, providing stability and support to the team.

The striker should be ready to attack the box and receive crosses when attacking through the wide trio. When the team is attacking centrally, the striker should

• be ready to attack

• play as a false nine

• dribble and take on

  1 v 1's

• leave the half-space

Answer explanation

When attacking centrally, the striker should play as a false nine, dropping deeper to create space and link up play, rather than just attacking the box. This role helps in maintaining possession and creating opportunities.

When pressing the goal is to discourage the opposition from playing the ball centrally. This is accomplished by

• a full team press

• using the CAM and the striker to press at the ball at same time

• pressing with the striker only

• using a pressing diamond

Answer explanation

Using a pressing diamond effectively covers central areas, limiting the opposition's options. This formation allows for coordinated pressure from multiple angles, making it harder for the opponent to play the ball centrally.

Once the opposition plays the ball to their wide outside back (choose all that apply)

• we want to isolate the oppositions outside back

• the wing/outside mid curves their run and presses the outside back

• the team presses as a unit

• the striker cuts the pitch in half by covering the center back

• the CAM stays with the oppositions CDM

Answer explanation

When the opposition plays the ball to their wide outside back, we aim to isolate them. The wing/outside mid presses, the team presses as a unit, the striker covers the center back, and the CAM stays with the CDM.