Football/ Soccer Formations- Three Attackers
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Here we are for the third installment of soccer formations, three attacker formations. I'll do my best to give a fun look at different strategies that can be used with these formations. Again, I’m a casual console player of the fifa games as well as playing for fun in real life and I love coming up with different strategies while playing. I'm not a pro but hopefully you enjoy reading the content below!
Shortcut words:
CB:
center back
Fullbacks:
left back/ right back
CDM:
center defensive midfielder
CM:
center midfielder
CAM:
center attacking midfielder
LM/RM:
left midfielder/ right midfielder
LW/RW:
left winger/ right winger
ST:
striker
CF:
center forward (This is a position below the ST position. CFs typically participate with playmaking and moving the ball around as well as looking for scoring options.)
The term winger can be applied to both left/ right midfielders (who are midfielders) and left/ right wingers (who are attackers/ forwards). It can get confusing but it really is just to refer to the outside midfielders or attackers.
Formations include the following:
3-4-3
4-2-1-3
4-3-3
4-3-3 (holding)
4-3-3 (defend)
4-3-3 (attack)
4-3-3 (false 9)
5-2-3
3-4-3
LW ST RW
LM CM CM RM
CB CB CB
GK
Pros
-a lot of width attack possibilities with central support
-a lot of player connections in the opponents half of the field
Cons
-midfielders have to remember to come down and help the the CBs when being attacked
-opponent can pass through the middle if CMs aren't defensive enough
Play Creation
-For this formation, play creation can be very fun. Your wing plays are going to be explosive with a lot of passing between the LW and LM with support from your left CM and left ST. Your LW can pass it to your LM, the LM can find the left ST, the left ST to your left CM to finally put a through pass to the LW making a run. The same can be done on the mirrored right side. If you prefer to have the CMs take the reins, they could be the ones primarily handling the ball to make quick passes to the players around that are open. The CMs would have to be careful not to lose the ball because there isn't a CDM behind them to hold back a quick counter.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas:
–Combination 1:
–playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–dynamic LW and RW (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking LM and RM (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be fast and strong also without needing to distribute the ball since all the midfielders have good ball control and passing.
–Combination 2:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one dynamic LW or RW (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one attacking LW or RW (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–box to box LM and RM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be fast and strong also without needing to distribute the ball since all the midfielders have good ball control and passing.
–Combination 3:
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–one attacking LW or RW (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–one dynamic LW or RW (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one dynamic LM or RM (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one defensive playmaking LM or RM (focus: speedy wingers that have good short passing for support and good defensive qualities to help the CBs)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be fast and strong also without needing to distribute the ball since all the midfielders have good ball control and passing.
4-2-1-3
LW ST RW
CAM
CDM CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-a dynamic attacking formation for forward playing soccer
-a CAM that's able to connect with three attackers while having security behind with two CDMs
Cons
-with only three midfielders and the CAM being a bit separated from CDMs, the midfield can be be disconnected if opponent has a lot of midfielders putting pressure
-wing play will require fullbacks reaching distant wingers if not, wing play may be a bit desolate
Play Creation
-If the CAM is your focal point of play creation, they can quickly try to connect with the three attackers, if they're not able to, they can pass the ball back to CDMs or fullbacks. If CDMs are active in play creation they can buy the CAM and attackers time while they control the ball with lateral passes amongst themselves or fullbacks.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas you might like:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–destroyer CDM (focus: a CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast strong CB if possible, and one CB with decent passing in case the destroyer CDM isn't the best at passing.
–Combination 2:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–fast playmaking controlling CDM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB if possible would be good.
–Combination 3:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–attacking wingers (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)
–playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
4-3-3
LW ST RW
CM CM CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-solid formation with equal strength in each section of the team: defenders, midfielders, attackers
-can play through the middle as well as down the flanks
Cons
-Without staggered lines, connections amongst sections can be easily disturbed. For example, if the opponent has good CDMs, your CMs might struggle to pass to attackers.
-wingers can be a bit isolated since all other players are distant from them
Play Creation
-The traditional, standard 4-3-3. The easiest way to create plays is going to be using the three midfielders. They can combine passes amongst each other while wingers and the striker find spaces up front. The fullbacks can help provide support from behind or push the ball forward to reach the wingers. Wingers involved in playmaking can cut in to receive passes from the CMs to connect with the striker. Fast attacking CMs can create “pass and go” passes to run into the box and possibly shoot.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–(on the side of speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–(on the side of dynamic winger) one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 2:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–one playmaking winger (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–playmaking controlling middle CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–box to box left and right CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 3:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box middle CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling left and right CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
4-3-3 (holding)
LW ST RW
CM CM
CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-One of the most popular variations of the 4-3-3. It offers more balance in the middle with a little more protection. The CDM can allow the CMs to be more offensive and free.
-Passing in the middle is a little easier with a staggered CDM creating a passing triangle. Not to mention the CDM can begin distribution of the ball with a little less pressure.
Cons
-wingers can be isolated if your midfielders aren't dominating in the middle or if the opposing fullbacks are closely marking them
-fullbacks have to travel higher to connect with wingers and in opponent's counter attacks they may be out of position
Play Creation
-Play creation with this iconic formation can be done in many ways. The standard is using your three midfielders to control the game with short passing, as fullbacks go up to provide options, as well as the attackers moving around. A striker with strength can be a playmaker allowing time for CMs or fullbacks to make runs into the last third of the field. Wingers can constantly make runs inwards or outwards to provide fast attacking options also.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool options to consider:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–(on the side of speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–(on the side of dynamic winger) one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 2:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 3:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one playmaking winger (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
4-3-3 (defend)
LW ST RW
CM
CDM CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-build ups are easier with less pressure since you have two deep CDMs as available options to begin plays
-The CM has more freedom to be offensive and connect with everyone on the field without worrying so much about defending
Cons
-a lot of open space between midfielders and attackers, especially with two midfielders that are pushed a little back
-CM has more work to do trying to connect with attackers. You can have a CDM try to push up and help or they can be good at long passes to be your sort of quarterback like American football.
Play Creation
-We could start creating plays with a CM that connects with everyone on the field. As soon as they get the ball they can do “Pass and Go” passes with one of the CDMs, the fullbacks can push up to become options for passes, one of the CDMs can run up to find open spaces, or the CM could simply move up the field to try to connect with one of the attackers. If a CDM is good at passing and dribbling they can be the one to take the reins with the CM there as an option to connect with or make runs forward. The fullbacks receiving the ball can always try to find the winger down their line to pass it to, in turn the winger could “Pass and Go” with another player or simply try to dribble past the fullback. A striker or winger with good passing abilities can also help the CM by being a second playmaker on the field.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas to try:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 2:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–attacking wingers (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–attacking CM (focus: a CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–fast playmaking controlling CDM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 3:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking CM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
4-3-3 (attack)
LW ST RW
CAM
CM CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-attack minded formation with players ready to push forward
-spread attacking players to give opposition a tougher time defending
Cons
-a lot of players forward up mean there could be some struggles when opposition gets possession of the ball, especially when you have less players to defend
-CMs have an important role in helping the CAM in attacks and defenders to defend. If they're not able to do both well this formation might struggle.
Play Creation
-CMs have a lot to do but keeping busy is going to be fun. They can receive the ball and look to distribute to the rising fullbacks, to the CAM trying to get open or a direct long ball to the attackers. If nothing is available they can pass it amongst themselves while options open. Once the CAM is at play, the CAM can dribble off their marking defender and either find an attacker or simply connect with the CMs again. Wingers that receive the ball can connect with the striker, CAM, or even fullbacks to create “Pass and Go” situations. There are a lot of fun ways to play this.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas for you:
–Combination 1:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–attacking wingers (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy destroyer CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible. One of the CBs can also have decent passing to begin distributing the ball because one of the CMs will be a speedy destroyer and might not have great passing abilities.
–Combination 2:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one playmaking winger (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–At least one fast, strong CB if possible.
–Combination 3:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
4-3-3 (false 9)
LW RW
CF
CM CM
CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-This is a formation where the CF acts as a hybrid midfielder/ attacker, giving your playmaking a lot of fluidity and your opponents more work to deal with.
-CMs have less pressure with more creative freedom
Cons
-CF has a lot of work to do and sometimes can struggle with good opposing CDMs and CBs
-Wingers can be neutralized when CF drops too deep and opposing defenders have only wingers to cover
Play Creation
-In this formation one way to create plays is through your elusive CF. They have the freedom to come down and connect with your CMs or make lateral runs to provide support to the wingers and even fullbacks. A CF with great dribbling can receive the ball and take on the marking opponents or find a winger for a “Pass and Go” situation. CMs that take the reins of your play creation can find a lot of options with so many surrounding players. With a controlling CM they can pass to a player and immediately go to an open space to receive the ball again. Overall there are a lot of awesome ways to play this formation.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to check out:
–Combination 1:
–playmaking CF (focus: great ball control, dribbling, attack position and short passing precision)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible.
–Combination 2:
–playmaking shooting CF (focus: great ball control, dribbling, attack position, short passing, and precise shooting from anywhere on the last third of the field)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–At least one fast, strong CB if possible.
–Combination 3:
–speedy dribbling CF (focus: a fast center forward with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–one playmaking winger (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–destroyer CDM (focus: a CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be good, if possible. One of the CBs can also have decent passing to begin distributing the ball because the CDM will be a destroyer that doesn't prioritize passing.
5-2-3
LW ST RW
CM CM
LB CB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-players stretch out the field with powerful passes from CMs
-CMs direct flow of play with easy set targets and less commotion, since there are less forward moving players
Cons
-less forward moving players do make it a little easier for defenders to mark
-CMs can be overwhelmed if opponent has a lot of midfielders
Play Creation
-Play creation primarily flows through the CMs. If you have fast moving CMs they can take the ball back and forth between fullbacks and attackers. CMs with good dribbling and passing can create “Pass and Go” passes amongst themselves to push the ball forward. CMs or fullbacks with good long passing can place deep “through” passes to fast attackers. If wide play is your preferred avenue of play creation, a supporting ST and CMs can facilitate fullbacks and wingers to fly down the flanks connecting passes. A playmaking ST can also act as a triangular recipient to CM passes while other players find open spaces.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–fast playmaking controlling CMs (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–(on the side of speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–(on the side of attacking winger) one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–The left and right CBs should be as fast and strong as possible. The middle CB can be decent at passing to start attacks from the back.
–Combination 2:
–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–The left and right CBs should be as fast and strong as possible. The middle CB can be decent at passing to start attacks from the back.
–Combination 3:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)
–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CMs (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–The left and right CBs should be as fast and strong as possible. The middle CB can be decent at passing to start attacks from the back.
Well it seems we've reached the end of three attacker formations. I thank you for your time checking out these ideas and I hope you enjoyed them! I hope we continue to enjoy this great sport. Until next time, reader, I wish you well!