By Mike Smith
Running 3 forwards almost always guarantees scoring opportunities. Using 3 defenders is an aggressive approach. 3 player midfields simplify things and a sweeper is a great safety valve. While each approach has its pro’s and con’s, together, the 1-3-3-3 is an aggressive approach which can catch an opponent off guard and really advance your players individual and tactical development in the process. I use this formation in pre season in at least 3 of our 5 scrimmages and have found it is a great shape for youth programs focused more on development than being the local league U-12 champions.
Compared to a traditional 4-4-2, there obvious weaknesses to the 1-3-3-3 ( shown below ). However, once your players understand this shape is about getting in triangles, possessing the ball and only covering half of the field, the advantages become clear.
The simple staggering of lines, whether out on the touchline ( shown below ) or across the width of the pitch ( shown later ) immediately yields multiple possessing , attacking and if done correctly, defending advantages.
By staggering in lines of 3 and running a sweeper, who should be used in possession, the shape of the back line presents a problem for two forwards. Even with 3 mids, the stagger again creates a diamond shape and will force the opponents midfielders to come together. This is great is your opponent likes to spread the field through their midfield. With three players in attacking range, the weak side defender will have to come over and give up some space on the weak side.
The only real requirement for the 1-3-3-3 ( and it will teach this as well ) is good touch and passing. If your team is utilizing this approach as developmental tool, there will be a learning curve and mistakes will lead to allowing scoring opportunities and goals. However, as the diagram below shows, by focusing on the multiple triangles, the possessing and attacking opportunities are numerous.
The final diagram ( below ) shows this same stagger used across the width of the field. While compacting closes down some of the space created in midfield when compared to working the length out on the line, staggering across the width will provide unchallenged switches through the sweeper to the weak side. IF your opponent attempts to cover the entire width of your shape, the center will be open, few defending sides will allow this.
Again, the 1-3-3-3 is a simple shape which makes every player’s roles and responsibilities clear. If your team has good touch and passing ability and can move as a unit, the 1-3-3-3 is a great shape to use both in training and in match play. If your team needs to improve it’s touch and passing, the 1-3-3-3 is a great teacher. Below are a couple exercises to help your team implement the 1-3-3-3.
Lesson 1
Combine in a Staggered Shape
Set Up
In this drill, the “defending team” ( yellow ) starts with the ball to simulate the moment possession is won. As shown, 6 ten by fifteen yard grids are set up with two additional 10 x 30 yard sections serving on each end as scoring zones. One player from each group must stay in the scoring zones, all additional players MUST stay with in a 4 grid area together. Players may switch grids and over lap. Goals are scored when two players combine for a pass in the scoring area. No more than two players of the same team may be in the scoring zone and “goals” do not count unless the other two players from the scoring team are in their respective closest grids. This forces the group to move as a unit. ( second diagram )
After each score, the ball can immediately be played back by the team which has just been scored on.
Coaching Points
This type of movement by the 4 central players is key to making the 1-3-3-3 work. Utilizing the lone deep “sweeper” in possession is also critical. The coach should focus the players on keeping the ball on the ground, playing quickly and moving to set up triangles. Once the group of 4 has gotten it, add an additional set of grids, expand the scoring area and use 6 central players. Once this is done, a half field scrimmage in a full 1-3-3-3 will show the benefits of the formation especially against a team in a standard 4-4-2 ( which the defending team should be aligned in ).
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
