Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): System of Play 9 v 9 (4-3-1)

SYSTEM OF PLAY

The formation is a 4-3-1.

Players must know the numbers that describe each position on the field.

 Read the formation numbers from the defense to the attacker.

Fullbacks (2)(3): Areas to Control

The 2 and the 3 control our wide areas from the penalty box to the out of bounds and from goal line to goal line. The 2 is on the right and the 3 is on the left.

Midfielders (6)(8)(10): Areas to Control

The 6 controls the central channel from our penalty box to half way in between the opponents penalty box and half field. (Yellow Box)He works with the and 8 and 10 to maintain a triangle shape. He should play about 10-15 yards behind them.

He covers our 4 and 5 on counter attacks and when our opponents are deep in our end by dropping back to become the third center back. (See red arrow)

The 8 and 10 control the center channel from half way between our penalty box and half line and our opponents penalty box. They must maintain their shape with the 6.

They can provide help to the 2 and 3 by moving to the outside channels when we are advancing the ball up the side. (See red arrows)

Striker (9): Area to Control

The 9 controls the central channel from our side of the kick off circle to the goal line. He maintains the triangle shape between the 8 and 10.

 He also supports the 2 and 3 by moving into their channels when he is closer to the ball than they would be. (Red Arrows)

 He also supports when our opponent has a corner kick. (Red Arrow)