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Football Formations Guide

Master every formation. Learn strengths, weaknesses, key positions, and tactical tips to improve your coaching.

4-3-3

An attacking formation with three forwards and a balanced midfield trio.

Excellent attacking width...Strong pressing structure...

4-4-2

The classic formation with two banks of four and a strike partnership.

Simple and easy...Natural defensive compactness...

4-2-3-1

A modern formation with a double pivot and attacking midfield trio.

Double pivot provides...Control in central...

3-5-2

A flexible formation with three centre-backs and wingbacks.

Three centre-backs provide...Wingbacks create width...

3-4-3

An attacking formation with three at the back and three forwards.

Three forwards create...Wingbacks provide natural...

4-1-4-1

A defensively solid formation with a single holding midfielder and compact midfield four.

Excellent defensive protection...Compact midfield difficult...

4-5-1

A highly defensive formation with five midfielders and a lone striker.

Extremely difficult to...Five midfielders dominate...

5-3-2

A defensive formation with five at the back and a strike partnership.

Five defenders create...Centre-backs outnumber most...

5-4-1

The ultimate defensive formation with five defenders, four midfielders, and a lone striker.

Incredibly difficult to...Nine players behind...

4-1-2-1-2

A narrow diamond midfield formation with two strikers.

Complete domination of...Passing triangles everywhere...

4-3-2-1

A narrow attacking formation resembling a Christmas tree shape.

Two attacking midfielders...Compact and difficult...

3-4-1-2

Three at the back with a playmaker behind two strikers.

Creative number 10...Strike partnership creates...

4-4-1-1

A balanced formation with a number 10 supporting a lone striker.

Number 10 operates...Good defensive shape...

4-3-1-2

A narrow formation with three central midfielders, a number 10, and two strikers.

Dominates central areas...Creates passing triangles...

3-1-4-2

Three at the back with a holding midfielder and a midfield four.

Holding midfielder creates...Flexible between three...

Why Formations Matter

Structure

Defensive Organization

Formations give players clear positional responsibilities and defensive shape.

Control

Midfield Dominance

The right formation helps you control possession and dictate tempo.

Attack

Creating Chances

Different formations create different attacking opportunities and patterns.

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Football Formations Guide: Every System Explained With Drills | FootballGPT