By Soren Schamberg
When discussing the 4-3-3 formation, the front 3, and specifically the right and left wingers, are the prongs of the attack. The CF, whether a holding CF or a counter attacking CF, they would not be that successful without dynamic and strong wide wing players.
The characteristics of the wide players should include:
- Must play as one unit in the attacking third of the field with the CF.
- Must interchange with wide midfielders in flank positions.
- Constantly looking to maintain balance to prevent bunching.
- Constantly looking to create space for other forwards to exploit.
- Press deep onto opponent's defense to create space for midfield play.
- Showing as a presentable target for short and long range passes.
- Understanding and appreciation for near and far post runs.
- Holding up the ball under pressure.
- Team Tactics, The International Coaches Association
Along with the the above characteristics, the front wide players are responsible for being a transition from midfield to attack and almost the whole of the attacking sides in the oppositions half, for getting the ball in to the CF in areas in the final third of the attack and for scoring.
On a 18 zone grid, this would be zones 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 ,18, with them receding to defend into 7, 9, and even as far back as 6 and 4.
When transitioning into an attack phase of play, the wide players offer outlet passes that can take up a lot of ground to catch the opponent off guard. If making a long pass for the CF to chase down is not an option, the wide player can dribble and take on the midfield and defense of the opposition with the intent to isolate a defensive player in the final third, draw in additional defenders to create space or make runs on the by line to drive a ball into the 6 yard box for an angled shot from the CF or an oncoming player.
Another benefit to having these players wide and moving the ball forward is to allow their teammates in the middle and on the other side of the pitch to have space and trail the advancement of the ball to stay on sides.
By breaking the offsides trap in this way, it allows the CF and opposite wide player to make runs into the box onto crosses and to force the defenders to fall back, pushing back the offsides line.
By Soren Schamberg
