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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 4-2-3-1 Formation

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FAI - Coach Education

Darren Moore

Profile Summary

Darren Moore
Name: Darren Moore
City: Maynooth
Country: Ireland
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): 4-2-3-1 Formation

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): 4-2-3-1 Formation
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4-2-3-1 Formation

The 4-2-3-1 formation consists of a goalkeeper, four defenders, two defensive midfielders (double pivot), three attacking midfielders, and one striker. While it's often seen as a defensive setup due to the double pivot, it can also foster a strong attacking presence during positive transitions with the support of the attacking midfielders and advancing full-backs.

Advantages:

  • Defensively compact, preventing opposition from overloading central midfield areas.

  • Creates passing options and "triangles" to retain possession.

  • Allows full-backs to provide width to the attack, supported by defensive stability from the center-backs and holding midfielders.

  • The back four can shift to cover wide areas effectively.

  • The double pivot screens and marks spaces occupied by the opposition's No. 10.

  • Offers flexibility and attacking options through the three attacking midfielders and striker during positive transitions.

Limitations:

  • Attacking midfielders need to be defensively aware and contribute when out of possession.

  • Space can be exploited in wide areas if full-backs advance and fail to recover.

  • Attacking midfielders must support the lone striker to avoid isolation.

  • Players need to be tactically astute to control space advantageously.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Double Pivot

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Double Pivot
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Double Pivot

In-possession responsibilities of a double pivot:

  • Maintain awareness of spaces and pressure, especially in central areas.

  • Stay constantly aware of the position of the midfield partner, avoiding occupying the same spaces.

  • Be comfortable in possession, with a good passing range and the ability to switch play.

  • Combine with short passes under pressure and break lines into teammates further forward.

  • Drop into defense during the build-up phase, turn and play off both feet.

  • Hide the ball from opponents and wriggle away from counter-pressure.

  • Operate mostly underneath the attacking unit, with one player supporting attacks with late forward runs.

  • Make well-timed, off-the-ball runs to penetrate into the penalty area, overlap wide players who have moved inside, or drive forward with the ball during transitions.

Out-of-possession responsibilities of a double pivot:

  • Win the ball by competing both in the air and on the ground for first and second balls.

  • Provide protection for the center-backs, maintaining a defensive block through good communication, discipline, and organization.

  • Know when to leave their slot to press or move out as cover for a wide player.

  • Support a high press and delay counter-attacks.

  • Lock the ball on one side of the pitch and make curving runs to press outwards.

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