Football/ Soccer Formations- Two Attackers
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Soccer formations round two.
In the previous blog we discussed one attacker formations. Now we look at two attacker 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
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:
3-1-4-2
3-4-1-2
3-5-2
4-1-2-1-2 (wide)
4-1-2-1-2 (narrow)
4-1-3-2
4-2-2-2
4-3-1-2
4-4-2
4-4-2 (defensive)
5-2-1-2
5-3-2
3-1-4-2
ST ST
LM CM CM RM
CDM
CB CB CB
GK
Pros
-wide midfield flow of ball
-a lot of connection between midfielders and attackers
Cons
-If CDM or other midfielders don't come down to help, the CBs will struggle
-opposition wingers can cross more comfortably
-wide play has less support without overlapping/ supporting fullbacks
Play Creation
-I would say there are a lot of zig zag passing possibilities between midfielders and strikers. In terms of connections you could triangulate plays between LM, left CM and left ST. You could do the same with the mirrored right side. Overall there are a lot of opportunities to take advantage of here when creating plays.
Player Types Combinations
-some combinations I can think of:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–speedy playmaking wingers (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)
–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–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:
–one physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–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)
–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be a little better at passing to begin distributing the ball.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one 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)
–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–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)
–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.
3-4-1-2
ST ST
CAM
LM CM CM RM
CB CB CB
GK
Pros
-nice middle flow of ball movement
-opponent has a lot of work cutting the many avenues of passes towards your strikers
Cons
-opposition wingers can cross more comfortably
-wide play has less support without overlapping/ supporting fullbacks
-midfielders have to remember to come down to help CBs
Play Creation
-The strongest play creation is through the middle using the two CMs to connect with the CAM who connects with the two strikers. Having two CMs and two strikers forces the opponent to have to cover a lot of players. The wingers add an extra layer of attack prowess giving you a complete push towards scoring.
Player Types Combinations
-some of the many options for you to try:
–Combination 1:
–speedy playmaking STs (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–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 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 the midfielders will be less defensive.
–Combination 2:
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–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 the midfielders will be less defensive.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–box to box wingers (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be a little better at passing to begin distributing the ball.
3-5-2
ST ST
CAM
LM RM
CDM CDM
CB CB CB
GK
Pros
-Nice spread of player positions
-a lot of player connections available and a variety of playing styles can be used
Cons
-less support in wide area without fullbacks
-opponents with attacking fullbacks and wingers can penetrate and cross easier
Play Creation
-This formation has different possible ways to create plays. If your CDMs have good ball control and passing they could place dangerous through passes to the wingers, try to connect with the CAM or put deep passes directly to strikers. If the CAM is your center piece of distribution you could use them to pass around the ball with the surrounding players until an attacking hole opens up. If your wingers are your focal point of attacking, maybe using the surrounding players as support through “Pass and Go” passes and “through passes” is your best bet.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas that might work best:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–one playmaking winger (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–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)
–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 STs (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–playmaking controlling CDMs (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 3:
–speedy playmaking STs (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be a little better at passing to begin distributing the ball.
4-1-2-1-2 (wide)
ST ST
CAM
LM RM
CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-a fun formation with a lot of wide play possibilities with a CAM and CDM that tie them in the middle
-player positions allow for dynamic playstyle
Cons
-a lot of open spaces in the midfield
-Sole CDM will have a lot to cover
Play Creation
-With this formation there's two really fun ways to play it that I can think of. One way it could be played is by using the CAM to quickly distribute to all the spread out players so they could attack the open spaces. Another way is by solely using wide player associations to attack down the flanks while CAM and CDM hold down the middle to distribute and hold off opponents.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool styles to play this formation:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling STs (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–speedy playmaking CAM (focus: a fast CAM with great attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking. One of them can have decent passing to start distributing the ball.
–Combination 2:
–speedy playmaking STs (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–speedy playmaking CAM (focus: a fast CAM with great attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–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 and strong CB would be great.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–box to box CAM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–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 and strong CB would be great.
4-1-2-1-2 (narrow)
ST ST
CAM
CM CM
CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-down the middle mastery with easy zig zag passing to the strikers
-tight positioning allows for relying on teamwork more than individual talent
Cons
-wing play is very limited and inversely the opposition has easier wing play options
-if opposition has a lot of midfielders it can be a clogged game in the middle
Play Creation
-For this formation the majority of the play creation is going to be down the middle. The passing combinations between the CMs and CAM will be key. With a playmaking CDM or playmaking STs you can add even more depth to the passing dominance. Your fullbacks are the wildcard. If they're good dribblers they can push your attack up through the flanks or if they're good passers they can widen your passing plays.
Player Types Combinations
-some options to consider:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling STs (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–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)
–playmaking controlling CDM (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)
–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–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 and strong CB would be great. One of the CBs can have decent passing to start distributing the ball.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)
–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–playmaking controlling CM (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)
–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 and strong CB would be great.
4-1-3-2
ST ST
LM CM RM
CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-nice spread out formation that allows you to move the ball wide and stretch the field
-CM has the freedom to move around the field to connect with different teammates
Cons
-The midfield can feel a bit spread out and if the opponent has a strong midfield they may have the upper hand in the middle of the field
-If your CM isn't one of your best players, the role of connecting with the surrounding players might not be as fluid and will lower your success with this formation
Play Creation
-One way to create plays is to run everything through your CM. Bouncing around they can be connecting with the surrounding players trying to find a weakness in your opponent's structure. This formation can also be dominating through the wings if your STs and fullbacks support their respective side. You could bounce passes off the middle player and combine with the wide players to move up the field.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–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 CDM (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)
–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking.
–Combination 2:
–speedy playmaking STs (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–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 and strong CB would be great. One CB can have decent passing to start feeding the ball to the team.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one 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 CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking.
4-2-2-2
ST ST
CAM CAM
CDM CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-simple, straightforward attack patterns
-a lot of passing connections focusing on the CDMs, CAMs or a combination of both
Cons
-CDMs that are unable to pass to CAMs will have a hard time getting the plays started
-wing play will be limited unless CAMs open wide
Play Creation
-With this formation either the CDMs, CAMs, or a combination of them take the reins. You could have a team where the CDMs begin your plays and are active in passing short and long to all the players around, looking for weaknesses in your opponent's structure. If the CAMs are your focal point of play creation, they will need support from fullbacks, at least one of the CDMs and at least one of the STs. It may seem a bit tedious but the result will feel awesome with fluid moving CAMs pivoting in different directions giving your opponent a hard time.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool combinations to consider:
–Combination 1:
–playmaking STs (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)
–shadow striker CAMs (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–playmaking controlling CDMs (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 and strong CB would be great.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–traditional CAMs (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)
–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 and strong CB would be great. One CB can have decent passing to start feeding the ball to the team.
–Combination 3:
–one playmaking ST (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–one box to box CAM (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)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–Both fast and strong CBs would be best.
4-3-1-2
ST ST
CAM
CM CM CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-Very midfield heavy and dominant
-Many ways to use CMs in different playstyles
Cons
-Wide play is limited
-If opponent also has many midfielders, it can be a sludgy game in the middle
Play Creation
-Play creation is most effective using your three CMs as the engine of your attack. The outer CMs can constantly connect with the fullbacks and CAM to begin attacks. The middle CM and CAM can link up to make the opponent press in the middle while having the outer CMs push up ready to provide options. The CAM can pivot around in their area looking for an open striker or giving the ball back to CMs.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool options for this formation:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling STs (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–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 and strong CB would be great.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one playmaking ST (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)
–speedy playmaking CAM (focus: a fast CAM with great attack positioning, short and long passing, 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)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–At least one fast and strong CB would be great.
–Combination 3:
–one playmaking ST (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–speedy attacking left or right CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–speedy destroyer middle CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)
–playmaking controlling left or right CM (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 and strong CB would be great. One CB can have decent passing to start feeding the ball to the team.
4-4-2
ST ST
LM CM CM RM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-strength in all areas of the field
-fun ways to have different player connections on the filed
Cons
-Without a decent amount of playmaking players, this formation can be a bit static
-The two CMs have a lot of work to do, requiring some combination of attacking and defense
Play Creation
-With this formation player connections are very abundant and very triangular for the most part. We could go with a passing association between the LM, left CM and left back, or we could begin our attack with the mirrored right side. Once the ball is passed the midfield the new passing triangle could be between the LM, left CM and left ST, or again the mirrored right side. If the CM’s are having good control in the middle, maybe passing between them and the ST’s would be your best bet, letting the wingers run down field to open up plays.
Player Types Combinations
-Some cool ideas to consider:
-Combination 1:
–one playmaking ST (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning
–one physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)
–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)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–(on the same side as 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)
–(on the same side as speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–I would recommend at least one fast, strong CB, preferably on the same side as the dribbling fullback.
–Combination 2:
–speedy dribbling STs (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–playmaking wingers (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–One strong, fast CB would be a good fit. The other CB could have decent passing abilities since one of your CMs will be attacking more.
–Combination 3:
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–one 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)
–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 strong, fast CB would be good.
4-4-2 (defensive)
ST ST
LM RM
CDM CDM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-More defensive structure than the regular 4-4-2 to offer more security in the midfield
-The CDMs can have a more mixed role and offer an opportunity to begin plays earlier from the back
Cons
-CDMs sitting a little deeper make for slower play progression unless CDMs are a bit more dynamic
-Midfielders will struggle to connect with STs if opposition has abundant midfielders
Play Creation
-One way to make plays with this formation is CDMs connecting with wingers and fullbacks for quick passing combinations, if CDMs have great long passing they can filter deep passes to strikers that are in good attack position. Another great way to make plays is by having the wingers connect with their closest fullback and striker, making their way forward while CDMs offer short passing support when they're needed.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool options to consider:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one 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 speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)
–playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–(on the same side as 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)
–(on the same side as speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)
–At least one fast, strong CB should be fine if possible.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–playmaking wingers (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)
–box to box CDM (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)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–At least one fast, strong CB would be great. The other CB could have decent passing so they could help with ball distribution.
–Combination 3:
–speedy playmaking STs (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: speed, 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 should be good if possible.
5-2-1-2
ST ST
CAM
CM CM
LB CB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-A lot of fluidity down the middle
-Fullbacks can run down the flanks connecting with players in the middle to allow for zig zag passing up the field
Cons
-Fullbacks have a lot of work to do, if not able to go up and down the field your attacks may be weaker
-Midfielders have to cover more field and have more responsibilities
Play Creation
-Play creation is interesting with this formation. If you choose to have an offensive CM, they can connect with the CAM like a duo pushing to find the STs or fullbacks down the flanks. If the CAM is the focal point of plays they can focus on quick passing with the surrounding players until a hole in the opposition’s structure is found.
Player Types Combinations
-some of the best options I could think of:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–attacking CM (focus: a CM that goes up into the goal area with good attack positioning, short passing and finishing)
–speedy supportive fullbacks (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:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)
–fast playmaking controlling CMs (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)
–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:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–box to box CAM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–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)
–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.
5-3-2
ST ST
CM CM
CDM
LB CB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-There's good midfield control and added defensive security with the extra CB
-Strikers with various role combinations can make it feel like you're not missing a player going forward (since there's an extra player on defense in this line of 5)
Cons
-If midfielders aren't the best in their roles there's going to be a struggle in creating plays and a disconnection with the STs
-Fullbacks have extra work up and down the flank without help from wingers
Play Creation
-Similar to 4-3-3 formations, this formation relies on the three midfielders to take reigns of your play creation. Depending on the player types on the field, the combination for passing could be with STs that come down as playmakers, fullbacks that act as zig zag passers, and even with a CB that can place deep passes to the STs. There's many combinations for you to choose from.
Player Types Combinations
-some options I could think of:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)
–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)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)
–(on the side of speedy dribbling ST) one speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)
–(on the side of playmaking shooting ST) one speedy dribbling fullback (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.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)
–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)
–fast playmaking controlling CDM (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.
–Combination 3:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)
–attacking CM (focus: a CM that goes up into the goal area with good attack positioning, short passing and finishing)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: speed, 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)
–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.
Well, that seems to cover two attacker formations. That was a long read and I'm grateful to those that checked out my fun ideas regarding formations and strategies. Football/ soccer is a fun and awesome sport and I'm glad we share this passion together. Until next time, I wish you well, reader!