Soccer Field Diagram: A Guide To Soccer Formations
Tell me the last time you explained to your team various soccer formations by using a soccer field diagram? If yours answer is “long time back” or “never”, it means that your team does not know much about positions and formations.
Most of the coaches make the mistake of assuming that kids tend to follow everything by simply giving them the required instructions verbally. Formations should always be talked about with the players beforehand because they play an important role on the field.
The soccer positions of the players in every area from the defensive line are depicted in these by way of strategic choices made generally in terms of numbers. The formations should never be inflexible and so the coach must continue to exchange players in every game. One very important thing is that the formations must be chosen keeping in mind the strengths as well as weaknesses of all players.
Some commonly used formations in the game of soccer are given below:
4-4-2: This is the most commonly used. The series 4-4-2 is derived from the idea that it comprises of 4 defending players, 4 mid fielders, and two attacking players excluding a goalkeeper.
It is the midfielders who play the most important part by way of supporting the forward players through defense. In the incident of an attack, they must help the defenders by moving towards the goal line.
4-5-1: Having five mid-fielders and one forward, this is better known as a defensive formation. The best thing that it does is that it disallows the opponent players to attack because the midfielders are all stacked up in the center.
Also, because there is only 1 forward, it requires the midfielders to push forward which in turn makes the opposition craving to get the possession of the ball.
3-5-2: This comprises of three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards. This formation allows both attack as well as defense when 2 wingmen take up the attacking role and the center midfielder disallows for any counter attacks.
3-4-3: This is the most violent form of formation on the soccer field diagram that the players resort to when the opponents are defending. Using three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, the plan is to attack using the forwards and make use of the defenders in case the opposition pierces the defensive line.
There is no single plan that stays good for the whole match. It must change with the dynamics and situations of the game. So a coach should think proactively and rotate the players as required. However, any formation can either be offensive or defensive.
Good soccer tactics on formations are very important since a team's victory or defeat depends on it. As the game improves and becomes more dynamic, there will surely be more changes in the soccer formation strategies.
Now use the soccer field diagram to teach the players in the field. In case you are interested in more such tips, our youth soccer coaching community is the perfect resource for it.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players' skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Drills.