This article is an excerpt from our new best-selling book, Coaching the 4-2-3-1 by Stevie Grieve.
The Blacks play 4-2-3-1 v the Yellow 4-2-3 formation. The Yellows play 9 v 10 and when they win possession, look to counter attack quickly over the line with passes and dribbles. Players must not go chasing the ball and remember the distances between players are important, and moving forward to close down passing angles while closing off passing lanes into midfield are a crucial element of the defensive strategy. Above, the right back is in possession. The full back plays close to the winger, leaving a back 3 as the far side full back tucks in. The 2 holding players cover the spaces making an ‘M’ formation, playing close to the attacking midfielder and stopping passes into him. The 3 attacking midfielders press the ball and closest passing options, with the far side player playing almost in line with his full back, wide enough to shut down a long switch to the far side.
Coaching Points:
- Press, cover, balance and communicate at all times
- As the ball moves, so does the defence
- Be aware of movement behind as well as infront
- Force play back - Disallow passes into midfield and the striker as quickly as possible
- Be decisive when pressing the ball, where will play be forced?
- Speed in transition to cross the end line
Progressions/Variations:
- Add in a striker and a goalkeeper and play a short field match – 70 yards
- Play games of 15 minutes then swap roles – what are the scores?
- Play against different formations, what is different playing against 4-2-3-1 than 4-3-3?
This article is an excerpt from our new best-selling book, Coaching the 4-2-3-1 by Stevie Grieve.
