FM 3 at the Back Guide

Three-at-the-back formations in Football Manager offer tactical flexibility, width through wing-backs, and numerical superiority in midfield. When executed properly, they dominate possession and create overloads across the pitch.

Why Play 3 at the Back?

**Tactical Advantages** - **Width**: Wing-backs provide attacking width without sacrificing midfield numbers - **Midfield Control**: Extra midfielder dominates the centre - **Defensive Coverage**: Three centre-backs cover each other - **Flexibility**: Can shift to back five when defending or back four when attacking

**When it Works** Three-at-the-back is effective when: - You have quality wing-backs (Stamina 14+, Crossing 13+) - Your centre-backs are comfortable on the ball - You're playing at home and want to dominate - The opposition uses two strikers (3v2 defensive advantage)

**When it Struggles** It can be vulnerable when: - Your wing-backs lack stamina (they cover huge distances) - The opposition has fast wingers who isolate your wide centre-backs - You're playing away and need defensive solidity - Your centre-backs lack pace (12+) to cover wide areas

Key Formations

**3-4-3** - **Strength**: Attacking width and penetration - **Weakness**: Midfield can be overrun by three-man midfields - **Best for**: Dominating weaker teams at home

**3-5-2** - **Strength**: Midfield control and balance - **Weakness**: Less width in attack (relies on wing-backs) - **Best for**: Balanced approach, home or away

**3-4-2-1** - **Strength**: Creative freedom for attacking midfielders - **Weakness**: Lone striker can be isolated - **Best for**: Technical teams with creative players

Player Attributes

**Centre-Backs** - **Pace**: 12+ (covering wide areas) - **Positioning**: 13+ (holding shape) - **Tackling**: 13+ (winning duels) - **Passing**: 12+ (building from the back) - **Heading**: 13+ (aerial dominance)

The wide centre-backs need more pace than the central one. They'll be isolated against wingers occasionally.

**Wing-Backs** - **Stamina**: 14+ (essential - they cover the entire flank) - **Pace**: 13+ (getting forward and tracking back) - **Crossing**: 13+ (delivering final balls) - **Work Rate**: 14+ (up and down all match) - **Tackling**: 11+ (defensive duties)

Wing-backs are the most demanding position in this system. Without elite stamina, they'll tire by the 60th minute.

**Midfielders** - **Passing**: 13+ (controlling the game) - **Vision**: 12+ (finding wing-backs) - **Work Rate**: 13+ (covering ground) - **Tackling**: 12+ (winning the ball)

**Forwards** Depends on formation. Strikers in 3-5-2 need Hold-Up Play (13+) and Heading (12+). Wingers in 3-4-3 need Pace (13+) and Dribbling (13+).

Tactical Setup (3-5-2 Example)

**Team Instructions** - **Mentality**: Positive or Balanced (depends on opposition) - **Passing**: Shorter or Mixed - **Tempo**: Higher (quick transitions) - **Width**: Fairly Wide (use wing-backs) - **Defensive Line**: Higher (compress space) - **Line of Engagement**: Higher (press in midfield)

**Player Roles** - **Centre-Backs**: Ball-Playing Defender (central), Central Defender (Defend) on either side - **Wing-Backs**: Wing-Back (Attack) or (Support) - bombing forward - **Central Midfielders**: Deep-Lying Playmaker, Mezzala, Box-to-Box - **Strikers**: Target Man / Advanced Forward or Deep-Lying Forward / Pressing Forward

Defensive Phase

**Back Five When Defending** Wing-backs drop into a back five when out of possession. This creates defensive solidity and covers wide areas. The formation shifts to 5-3-2 defensively.

**Covering Wide Areas** Wide centre-backs push out to cover opposition wingers. The central centre-back covers the gap. This requires good communication and positioning.

**Compactness** Stay compact centrally. Force the opposition wide where wing-backs can defend 1v1. Avoid gaps between centre-backs.

Attacking Phase

**Overlapping Wing-Backs** Wing-backs provide width in attack. They overlap, deliver crosses, and stretch defences. Midfielders tuck inside to create space for them.

**Central Overloads** Three midfielders create numerical superiority centrally. Dominate possession, control tempo, and dictate play.

**Wide Centre-Backs Stepping Forward** Ball-playing centre-backs can step into midfield with the ball. This drags opposition forwards out of position and creates space for midfielders.

**Switching Play** Three-at-the-back systems excel at switching play. Spread the ball wide to wing-backs quickly to exploit space.

Common Variations

**Defensive 5-4-1** Drop the wing-backs deeper and sit compact. Ideal for away games against top teams. Absorb pressure and counter-attack.

**Aggressive 3-4-3** Push wing-backs high, use inside forwards to cut inside, and dominate possession. High-risk but devastating at home.

**Hybrid 3-4-1-2** Add an attacking midfielder behind two strikers. Creates central overloads and unlocks deep defences.

Opposition Instructions

**Press Their Wing-Backs** If the opposition also plays 3-at-the-back, press their wing-backs. Force mistakes in wide areas.

**Exploit Slow Centre-Backs** If their wide centre-backs lack pace, target them with quick forwards. Through balls behind them create 1v1 chances.

**Overload Their Midfield** If they play two central midfielders, your three should dominate. Control possession and dictate tempo.

Common 3-at-the-Back Mistakes

**Wing-Backs Without Stamina** Playing wing-backs with Stamina below 14 is a disaster. They'll tire, stop tracking back, and leave gaps. Rotate them heavily or don't use this system.

**Slow Centre-Backs** Pace 11 or below for wide centre-backs gets exposed. Fast wingers isolate them and create chances. Either recruit faster players or switch formations.

**Neglecting Width** If wing-backs don't push high enough, you lose width and become predictable. Ensure they're set to Attack or Support duties.

**Poor Transitions** Losing the ball with wing-backs high up creates dangerous counter-attacks. Centre-backs need pace to cover. Ensure quick defensive transitions.

**Overcomplicating Roles** Three-at-the-back is already complex. Don't add experimental roles everywhere. Keep it simple: solid centre-backs, energetic wing-backs, and balanced midfielders.

**Ignoring Substitutions** Wing-backs tire faster than any other position. Plan substitutions around the 60-70 minute mark. Have two quality wing-backs per side.