4-4-2 Formation

A look at the 4-4-2 formation and how it is implemented.

The 4-4-2 formation was one of the most commonly used in the world game, and especially in the English game (think of Alex Ferguson’s all conquering Man united side of the 1990s and 2000’s).

It is arguably the easiest for players to understand and focuses very much as players working in pairs all over the pitch!

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It is an adaptable system that gives teams strength in midfield and plenty of width. The role of central midfielders and full-backs, particularly, can change depending on how much emphasis a team is putting on defence or attack.

Full-backs are given more of an attacking role in this system than in the some other formations.

The 4-4-2 formation is effective because it can be adapted based on whether a team is setting out to attack or defend.

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Strikers in the 4-4-2 Formation

We should keep our “spearhead” attacker playing high up the pitch capable of holding the ball up and laying it off to their partner. This player, furthest up the field, is usually a striker, who can hold off defenders and bring their teammates into play.

We should use the other as a withdrawn striker, capable of playing in the 'hole' (the area behind the main striker) - modern trends see this as a “number 10” - and using their creative skills to set up those around them, primarily our “spearhead striker”.

For those who remember him, Netherlands international Dennis Bergkamp was a prime example of this type of player. Dele Alli and David Silva are probably the best known today!!

Playing someone as a creative player in the 'hole,' the formation transforms into a 4-4-1-1 at times.

In one of my teams I would see a less pacy but “intelligent”, technical player in that role, rather than as an out and out striker!!

Often the forwards play as a pair and need to be in close proximity to help each other, they should start central and hit the "channels" and look to get behind the defenders in the space!! This requires pace, guile and timing, I would hope that in the long term both can become forwards who can develop this role in the future!

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Wide players in the 4-4-2 Formation (wingbacks)

A wide player’s (a hybrid of winger and full back) prime responsibility, in possession, is to take on full-backs and get the ball into the central strikers.

A typical wingback will attempt to beat their defender before crossing into the penalty area for the strikers and advancing midfielders.

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Wide players can also cut inside and pass to teammates but if they cross the ball, it is more likely that they would do so on their favored foot from a wide position.

 

While the advanced midfielder has a responsibility to support the strikers, it is also the “job” of the wingback to get into advanced goalscoring positions.

 

When defending (i.e. not in possession), it is a wide players job to defend against opposition wide players and support their fullback (starting wider than their team mate full back on their side).

 

If faced with an attack-minded full-back, it is imperative that the wide player supports their own full-back, or there is a risk that that flank could be badly exposed!

 

The full back should not be relied on to cover the flank behind the wide player, as I would want them to stay more central and defend the 18 yard box (penalty area) in the first instance!!

 

When the Wide Player is in space wide I want to hear loud communication and a clear request for a pass (it’s not a game of “hide and seek”)

 

When their opposite winger is attacking, the wingback needs to attack the far post from crosses and should also look to become a additional centre forward.

 

Central Midfielders in the 4-4-2 Formation

In a 4-4-2 formation, it is common to have one defensive midfielder and another whose job is to get forward and join the strikers in the penalty area. Both central midfielders should rotate this!

The more defensive midfielder is charged with breaking up opposition attacks, and when the team is on the back foot, act as an extra member of the defence.

 

I see them as an "insurance policy" should the team surrender possession, acting as another centre back!

The other central midfielder still has defensive responsibilities, especially when their team does not have possession. But it is key that they get forward to support the strikers when the team have the ball, otherwise there is a risk that the front players would lack support, particularly if the wingers are not able to support!

 

Often our forwards can get frustrated and then, at least one drops deep to get the ball and leaves their forward partner isolated, so one of the central midfielders, or a wingback, needs to swap position and become a "second striker"!!

 

I may often opt to have two midfielders who go forward, particularly against weaker teams, but it is considered the norm to field one more defensively-minded player.

I expect my players to take turns in going forward.

 

The centre midfield is the "heartbeat" of the team and sets the pace and style of play the team plays, not only are they ball winners, ball players and leaders but they are often how the team is judged.

 

Even if not captain, they are the natural leaders and need to communicate loudly and positively!

 

Central Defenders in the 4-4-2 Formation

The centre-back's main job is to repel the attacks of the opposing team, primarily by tackling and heading the ball out of the danger zone. Central defenders have to show great ability in this area and form the "spine" of the team!!

 

They also need to learn when to "shepherd" the attacker and ball away from goal rather than make a tackle. The rule needs to be make a tackle ONLY when 100% sure of winning the ball. A defender "on their arse" is of no value to the team defensively unless the ball is out of play!!

 

A centre-back can mark a player in a certain area (zonal marking) or pick up a designated opposition player ("man"marking).

 

Playing in the centre of defence requires strength, bravery, concentration and an ability to read the game.

 

But the most valuable asset for my teams is communication - loud clear instruction is crucial to the effectiveness of the defence as a whole (defending is a team activity, not just the back four’s job)

 

While their teammates' passing may be expansive, centre-backs generally keep things simple, distributing short passes, often to the wide players early in the attack, or bringing in the centre midfield!

 

It is also imperative that together with the fullbacks, they implement an effective covering system for each other!

 

Many grassroots sides are very flat and exposed to fast strikers and counter attacks!

 

I expect one centre back to attack the ball and one to drop back to cover this gives us depth and better shape!

If not we have to call in a full back to fill the, sometimes huge, gap between keeper and centre back!

 

Centre backs should go up to attack every attacking corner as they are usually amongst the best headers in the team and should also defend the area between six years line and penalty spot when defending corners, if not on that area they should be in front of it rather than behind it as that is where most corners go (front half of the area, not the back)

 

When facing an opposition free kick I expect the central defenders to instruct other players where they want them, this is not a "would you mind" instruction, more of a "you WILL go there"!!

 

The only exception should be free kicks where a shot at goal is likely, when I expect the keeper to also have their say!

 

Full-backs in the 4-4-2 Formation

The primary role of our full-back is to defend against opposition wingers and other players occupying their area of the pitch, when they get near the goal. This means "tucking in " as centre back when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch!

 

Good full backs need good tackling ability as a prerequisite, and they should also help their centre backs, particularly when the opposition hit a long ball from their own defence.

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Many young full backs excel in this role, often despite their lack of size, therefore their tackling is tiger like and they often "nicks" the ball!

 

The next step of many full back’s development is learning WHEN to go for a tackle, sometimes standing and blocking is more important, especially when the centre backs aren't in position and "set"!!

This DELAY is as important as the actual tactic often!!

 

Our full-backs can also be a major attacking weapon. A full-back with pace, power and good crossing ability is a real asset on the flank as they can stretch the other team's wide players and provide ammunition for strikers.

Creating more attack minded full backs who can get crosses in is where many team need to focus their future efforts!

But full backs should never forget their priority is effective defending!!

 

When our team has an attacking corner, the full-backs should remain near the half-way line in case the opposition launch a rapid counter attack.

 

This is because the central defenders will likely be up for the corner because of their height, while the full-backs can often use their pace to foil the counterattack.

 

When defending a corner teams should use their full backs on the posts to protect our keeper in front and behind!

 

Full backs should concentrate on being "wider centre backs" when defending and not get caught out wide, except in emergencies

 

They also need to be "sweepers" if centre backs attack the ball and miss it, they need to be loud communicators on the pitch!!

 

They need to mindful that many keepers’ (as they are often “bigger”) key strength is shot stopping and not the sprint off the line, so filling the gap between keeper and central defender is a major part of the job and letting others know they are doing this!