Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1-4-2-3-1 FORMATION POSITIONS AND RESPOSIBILITIES *Carlos*

1-4-2-3-1

Organization:

The 1-4-2-3-1 includes a keeper, four defenders, two defensive midfield players (double pivot), three attacking midfield players and one striker.

The set up is seen by some in the game as a defensive formation due to the double pivot screening and protecting the back 4. However, during positive transition the system can have a strong attacking focus with 3 attacking midfielders supporting the 1 striker plus the full backs may advance forwards as defensive stability is provided by the centre backs and 2 holding midfielders.

Advantages and limitations of the 1-4-2-3-1

Advantages:

• Defensively strong and compact in central areas of the pitch with 5 midfielders preventing opposition overloading midfield areas
  
• Creates passing options and "triangles" all over the pitch to retain possession
  
• Allows full backs to provide width to the attack due to defensive stability in central areas
  
• Back 4 can cover width of pitch and shift to defend wide areas
  
• Double pivot provides a defensive screen and marks space occupied by opposition No. 10
  
• Flexibility and attacking options provided by 3 attacking midfielders and 1 striker when positive transition occurs
  

Limitations:

• 3 attacking midfielders need to be switched on when out of possession and undertake their defensive responsibilities
  
• Space can be exploited in wide areas if full backs advance forwards and do not recover
  
• 3 attacking midfielders must support 1 striker during attack to prevent striker being isolated
  
• Players to be tactically astute and aware to take up positions to control space on the pitch to the teams advantage
  

Goalie

In Possession:

• Support player, ability to change the point of attack in order to relieve pressure andkeep possession 
• Distribution to be the first attacker 
• Transition to attack 

Out of Possession

• Organization of the defense 
• Playing as a sweeper, providing cover and balance 
• Starting positions in reference to the movement of the ball, pressure on the ball,athletic ability, and movement of players 
• Distribution as the first attacker and as a support player in the back 
• Ability to close down players on a breakaway and cut down shooting angles 
• Range of the goalkeeper in the box to handle crosses and come off the line

Centerbacks

In Possession:

• Split wide and be prepared to receive the ball from the keeper
  
• Try to play angled passes behind the opposition to full-backs and midfield players, but recognize the need to play longer at times
• Attack aerial balls with power, purpose and timing

• Recognize when to follow opponents short, and when to pass them on
• Be comfortable defending 1v1 and 2v2 situations; try to seize the initiative.
• Mark ball side and goal side
• Recognize when to move deep and centrally in order to defend crosses

Wide Midfielders

In Possession:

• Try to be positive in 1v1 situations, particularly in the attacking third (zone 3).
• Be prepared to support the 9 and 10 in the wide channels, giving space to the full-back on the outside.
• Make penetrating passes into the forwards or overlapping full-backs and serve crosses from wide areas

• Press or provide cover for the press high up the pitch.  Win the ball back if you can (tackle or intercept)
  
• Provide defensive cover in wide areas, get on the outside of the holding mid (CDM).  Double up against the opposition with the fullback
  
• Track runners from deep or on switches of play.
  

Striker

In Possession:

• Recognize and take opportunities to shoot with power and precision.
• Be available to receive the ball into feet or space and on the half-turn if possible
• Recognize when play is developing in wide areas and take up positions to crosses both on the ground and in the air

• Initiate the teams press when appropriate
• Try to force the center back to make risky passes
• Try to prevent easy passes into the midfield and win the ball from the “wrong side” of midfielders are holding up play