Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 1-3-5-2

Formation

Position Description:

• 1 - Goal Keeper (GK)
• 2 - Right Wing Back / Flank (RWB)
• 3 - Left Wing Back / Flank (LWB / RWB)
• 4 - Center Back (CB)
• 5 - Left & Right Center Back (LCB / RCB)
• 6- Central Defensive Mid (CDM)
• 8 - Central Attacking Mid / Box to Box Mid (CAM / B2BM)
• 9 - Target / Advanced Striker (ST)
• 10 - Roaming Striker (RST)

Positional Responsibilities (Center Backs)

Center Backs (CB, LCB, RCB)

Communication, Pressure and Cover is a MUST!!!

If one defender pressures, the other two must provide the correct cover and be aware of runners in behind.

In the case where the center backs need to leave their central post and provide cover for their wingbacks, they should communicate and shift positions toward the ball and in to the passing lanes. Without the proper shift and cover from the CDM or Wingbacks, this is when the formation is most vulnerable. 

Each center back should be proficient in 1v1 defending and the physical pace and ability to track players that get behind the line. 

Based on the greatest weakness of the wide areas of the box, all three backs need to be strong in the air due to dealing with a large amount of crosses and services. 

Lastly, all three backs must be technically sound with good decision making ability to receive and pass, as well as collect the ball out of the air. 

Positional Responsibilities (Central Midfielders)

Central Midfielders (CDM, CAM, B2BM):

It is in the middle of the field that a 3-5-2 has the most continuity and are the ones who primarily control possession and the tempo of the match. Through short combination or link up passes and also the ability to play longer more diagonal or direct through balls to the wingbacks or strikers, the midfielders are usually the most technically sound players with the ball at their feet in tight areas, and the understanding and vision of the game to make quick decisive and productive decisions. 

With the understanding that the defensive players are there as options and support, and the wingbacks are there to provide wide play, it will be through the central midfield that directional possession will take place. Forward, back or switching the point of attack from right to left, the center of the park is where it will be determined. 

The attributes of the CDM is to have have exceptional positional understanding and great tactical understanding/discipline along  high work rate to close down, tackle, and mark the opposition’s runners in behind the back 3. Possessional, the CDM will usually drop in deeper to receive passes from the backs, and also look to use 3 touches max to release the ball. Normally, due to the defensive responsibility of the CDM, the don't look to attack space with the ball at their foot, unless they know they have the support of the Box-2-Box in the hole. They are more likely to look to distribute through the other two midfielders, or connect with the wingbacks.

The Box-2-Box Midfielder is easier to explain by just saying that they need to have the abilities of both the CAM and CDM with great tactical, spatial and positional understanding and awareness. They also must be in very fit to be able to attack and defend from box to box. Hence their name...

The CAM is more of what you would think of in a normal triangle mid-field. 

Their defensive responsibilities is to provide support to the CDM when needed, press opposing players directionally back into their help, cut off passing lanes and try to win the ball back on lost possessions higher up the pitch. 

Attacking-wise, this player must be solid technically with a great vision and understanding of the game. They must be creative and are less selfish with the ball, putting more premise on the build up, pass and assist. They must have good field awareness for spacing and finding holes and pockets to get into for combination play with the other midfielders, wingbacks and strikers. Lastly, they must not be scared to take chances from distance (18-25 yds. from goal)

Shape and Connections

1-3-5-2 Formation Strengths

Controlling Possession  

The midfield three with wingbacks on either side allows your team to dominate possession.

Your midfielders can slowly break down the opposition with combination passing.

If your opponent decides to match up the midfield, your wingbacks will be option in wide areas.

When the attack breaks down, the three center backs are available to pass to and recycle possession.

The shape enables patient buildup play but the spacing also ensures you can be direct or attack on the counter.

Strong Defense

Unless the other team goes with four attackers, this system virtually will always have a numerical advantage in defense.

When defending, the wingbacks can drop in to form a back five, or you’ll have at least one CDM to provide cover and cut out passing lines to the forwards, making central attacks very difficult.

Attacking with 2 Strikers

In most formations, teams use a 9, 7 & 11. While this causes a whole other problem for defenses, the center backs are generally in control of their area. Dual strikers give more options and ensure you always have targets in the box.

Also, you can resort to a more direct attacking tactic if you’re struggling to build attacks through midfield combination play.

Flexibility with Wingbacks

Wingbacks give this formation  flexibility.

If we are in control of possession, the wingbacks can press higher for longer periods of time like a 7 & 11, disconnecting the defense of the other team. On the flip side, when we are playing more of a low black and sitting in against stronger teams for counter attacks, the wingbacks can drop back to create five defenders. However, in most games, the wingbacks will have to adjust to the match and pick their moments to impact the game.

Midfield Fluidity

The reason we use 3 in the midfield is for numerical advantages over most teams playing 2, and also allows for more attack with defensive stability, or more defense with a central outlet. This is fluid depending on the moment. While each player has their individual responsibilities, they can interchange quickly and rotate the triangle without leaving gaping holes in the defense. This allows for the continued tactic of small combination possession when winning the ball back or switching the point of attack.

Below are the greatest weaknesses of the 1-3-5-2:

> With 3 midfielders, if the other team matches up, it could cause congestion in the middle. This will make it more difficult to combine, forcing more use of the wingbacks

> Wingbacks need to be able to go for and track without tiring. This position requires players with greater stamina. Depending on the match flow, they could be the 2 & 3 or the 7 & 11 in moments notice either way. 

> Must have intelligent Center Backs that understand organization, shape, and can communicate well. They also have to be good at 1v1 defending as well as pressure and cover. With the wrong center backs, this system could be cracked easily. 

> Systematically and tactically give up the outside defending third corners areas. This system is set to defend with numbers centrally. This leaves the areas in behind the wing back susceptible to long direct passes behind the backs into the wide sides of the fields. But...being that the goal is located in the middle of the pitch, it is an acceptable weakness, as long as their is good organization, switches and understanding of responsibilities of the back 3, CDM and wing backs.