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footy4kids recommends:
For new
coaches:

For
experienced coaches:

For coaches
who are short on time:

For coaches of
kids aged 5-8:

For coaches of
kids aged 9-11:

For coaches of
kids aged 12-15:

For coaches of
small-sided teams:

For coaches
who need warm-ups:
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soccer
formations - the 4-4-2
from
Eteamz |
The 4-4-2 formation is the
most popular formation in todays game. It consists of four defenders, four
midfielders, two forwards and a goalie. At first glance one might think that this
formation would limit scoring due to the lack of forward power. This is not always true.
In this formation, the midfielders and outside defenders are much more active in the
offensive attack, thus resulting in goals.
DEFENDERS
of the 4-4-2 can play many different ways. They can play in the diamond formation, much
like they would in the 4-3-3 formation. They can play flat across the back of the field in
a line. They can play in an arc shape, eliminating the stopper position and forming a
double sweeper. They can also play three flat across the field with the sweeper hanging
behind in the middle ready to clean up any mistakes. Which way you want to set your
players depends a little bit on personnel and comfort. As far as responsibilities go, they
are very similar to the responsibilities the defenders have in the 4-3-3 formation. The
only difference occurs when you play in the arc with the double sweeper or if you play the
flat back four. In these cases the position of stopper is eliminated and you are left with
two players that fulfil the role of sweeper. Generally you will use one of your sweepers
as strictly a man marker. You pick the opposing teams best attacker and have your extra
sweeper mark him all game long. Other than that, the defensive rolls are all the same.
MIDFIELDERS of the 4-4-2 consist of four athletes. The right and left midfielders
still exist and carry out the same duties as with the 4-3-3 but a new member of the
midfield moves in. This addition to the midfield plays in the middle of the field
alongside the centre midfielder. The two become an offensive/defensive duo and do their
best to hold the middle of the field and control the game. Often times one player will
take the roll of attacking midfielder and the other the role of defensive midfielder,
although those labels are not branded in stone. These two central midfielders may swap
roles as long as they communicate and let the other know when a switch is occurring. These
four midfielders start looking a little bit like the defensive diamond mentioned in the
4-3-3 formation. Because the middle of the field is now occupied with two central players,
the defence can afford to eliminate the stopper position, due to the excess help in the
central midfield. The attacking midfielder is expected to also step up the other way and
help produce some offensive scoring power though, now that the extra forward slot has been
removed.
FORWARDS of the 4-4-2 consist of only two athletes. These two athletes have a very
unique job. They must work together the entire game, rarely separating themselves by more
then 10 to 20 yards. Together they must work to close off angles and defenders from
clearing the ball out of the defensive areas. These two forwards must become so
comfortable with each other that they can predict where the others next move will be. It
is very important for these players to be fast and agile. It is also important that these
two players are in fairly good shape. Now that their are only two of them up there they
have to pick up some of the slack for the missing third forward. The attacking midfielder,
as mentioned above, should also help pick up some of the slack but the responsibility of
scoring goals is still that of the forward so they must really work hard and work together
to accomplish their goal.
Submitted by: Coach Clay
See also:
basic_attacking_team_tactics coaching the swarm - a basic guide to formations and positional training formations and positions for U6 - U8 soccer players formations and positions for U6 - U8 soccer players selecting positions and formations shadow attack soccer formations - the 3-5-2 soccer formations - the 4-3-3 soccer formations - the 4-4-2 soccer tactics and young children soccer tactics and young children teaching positions to young soccer players When should coaches start assigning specific positions to young players
download
team sheets for most 11 a side formations
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