Soccer positions and formations

For an inexperienced soccer coach, soccer positions and formations can be confusing. Should it be 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 5-3-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1? Hey, what are all these numbers? What does it all mean? Don't worry - it's quite easy really.

Formations are the basis of the way a soccer team plays the game. In simple terms, it is where the players should be in relation to each other on the pitch. The numbers refer to the number of players in an imaginary line counting from the back or defense, then the midfield and finally the attachers (offense or strikers). The players should move up and down the pitch together in these positions.

Choosing a formation depends on two things; the strengths of your team or the strengths of the opposition. For new coaches, just focus on your own team. 4-4-2 is the most common formation as it give good defensive cover but also allows the wide midfield players to go forward to support the attackers and then the wide defenders can go forward to cover the attacking wide midfielders.

If your squad has a lot of strong defenders and just one good striker, then go for a 4-5-1 formation. It is less attacking than other formations but you should concede fewer goals. That means that you don't need to score so many to win.

These guys have some very detailed stuff about soccer formations.


Let me know your thoughts

Dave