FORMATIONS

Formations are simultaneously one of the most important and one of the most misunderstood aspects of football. On one hand, they determine how a team positions itself on the pitch, how it attacks, defends, and transitions between phases of play. On the other hand, reducing a team’s identity to a numerical structure can often be misleading.

When applied correctly, a formation can give a team a distinct tactical advantage. For instance, if you have midfielders who excel at shooting from distance, you need a structure that positions two or three players behind the striker to fully utilize that strength. Without the right setup, this advantage can go to waste.

Yet formations, by themselves, do not guarantee success. Dozens of teams at similar or even lower levels may use the exact same formation — with drastically different outcomes. In fact, it's common to see two teams using identical formations in the same match, with one side executing it masterfully and the other falling short.

This page will explore the every formations in depth — outlining their core structure, strengths and weaknesses, ideal player profiles, and the tactical principles that make each one work. The goal is to move beyond surface-level definitions and provide practical insight into how formations function within real game contexts.

1-) PROS AND CONS OF THE 3-4-1-2 FORMATION

The 3-4-1-2 formation has emerged as a compelling option for coaches who seek to dominate central areas, facilitate vertical progression, and deploy multiple players in advanced zones without sacrificing numerical superiority in midfield. While it offers clear advantages in terms of positional flexibility, build-up options, and structured pressing, it also demands precise discipline and role clarity. This tactical document aims to dissect the key strengths and vulnerabilities of the 3-4-1-2 system by evaluating its practical applications across all phases of play. Read More...

2-) PROS AND CONS OF THE 4-3-3 FORMATION

The 4-3-3 formation is one of the most commonly used systems in modern football. The primary reason for its popularity is the decline of traditional "No. 10" players in today's game. The last prominent examples of such players that come to mind are Mesut Ozil, Wesley Sneijder, and Kaká, among others. These players were known for their exceptional game intelligence, aesthetic playing style, and technical abilities. However, they often had less aggressive running intensity compared to today’s demands. Read More...