Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 4-1-4-1 Formation Breakdown

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4-1-4-1 Formation

I am going to break down the strengths and weaknesses of our formation. Study this an remember to buy into the system.
Strengths:
- Defensively Sound
  - We have a #6 that protects the back 4, and can often take away the crafty #10's as well as cut off passing options to the opponents #9. The #6 is also there to clean up any loose passes
  - Off the ball, our other midfielders (7,8,9,10,11) can all sink back and defend behind the ball to cut off passing lanes.
- Tactical Flexibility
  - Remember when we are attacking, our #7 & #11 can invert in to become strikers, while our #2 & #3 become wingbacks and can enter the play.
  - This gives us so may attacking options when we have the ball. Making us harder to mark, and more dangerous.
- Two Attacking Midfielders
  - We have a #10 & #8 that can join the attack, as well as come back to defend the ball. the #10 can also join the #9 and become another striker to create runs.
- Winning the Midfield Battle
  - With 3 midfielders, we should be able to win the ball back in the middle of the field quickly. We need to make sure that we congest the passing lanes, and pressure with first man to the ball.
  - Also, anyone that plays the #9, can drop back and cover the opponents #6. This will create and over load in the midfield for us.

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4-1-4-1 Formation

I am going to break down the strengths and weaknesses of our formation. Study this an remember to buy into the system.
Weaknesses
- Lone Striker
  - In this formation our striker is isolated from the play. It is important to remember to shift with the play and not stand in one central location.
  - We also need to make sure that when we win the ball and get forward, our #11 & #7 shift in to help give our #9 options.
  - Midfielders need to make sure that they are also supporting the #9 with layoff passes (playing the way they face) because they find it hard to turn.
- Flank Exposure
  - If we get up the field and lose the ball, we can be exposed on the flanks. We need our #7 & #11 to work back and get behind the ball. You are still midfielders!
- #6 Needs to be Disciplined
  - As you can tell, the #6 is the heartbeat and quarterback of this formation. You need to stay central, and stay back. It is hard to not want to go score, but you are the main switching point.

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Attacking Principles

When we have established possession, not countered. When we have the ball and are maintaining it, this is the ideal formation.
#2 & #3 should be up in the play looking to create runs, or put crosses into our box
#7 & #11 should be tucked in making runs in behind the backline along with the #9. We want to outnumber the opposition here.
#6 should 'stay home' and be our focal point when we need to switch the ball. They are also there to make sure if the ball pops out or the opposition counters, we have someone to delay.
#4 & #5 need to stay and be in between the attackers

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Defending Principles

The #9 can be so effective in our defensive shape if they come back and mark the #6 on the opposite team. We need to disrupt their switch of the field through the midfield. Do not worry about the #5 & #4 when they switch the field, there is not danger.
#11 & #7 should sit back and cut the line option until the #2 & #3 have the ball. Then you should press while still cutting the line option.
Our #6 should be looking to cut off the other #9 from getting the ball. You need to check your shoulders and a cut off passing lanes.
Center Backs: Remember, if one steps, the other one has to drop!

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