Attacking in a 4 4 2 Soccer Formation

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the first attacker when in possession of the ball. A goalkeeper with the ability to distribute the ball accurately and quickly is a dangerous counter attacking source, the 4-4-2 system offers good counter attacking options to the goalkeeper in wide positions as illustrated in diagram A below;

Diagram A

Diagram A depicts a typical situation after a crossed ball. O11 has got to the byline past X2 and put a cross in that the keeper has caught. The formation allows the goalkeeper to quickly release to X7 and create a counter attacking situation with numbers up. It is important that the keeper releases to X7 rather than the other sideline, as this gives O11 a massively tough job to recover. Created with Coachfx

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Defenders

Central defenders in a 4-4-2 system must provide a safe possession pass for teammates when they are in possession. If a central defender receives a pass from the left side of the field, they should look to quickly play the ball to the opposite sideline and switch play. The fullbacks in a 4-4-2 formation have the opportunity to join the attack by overlapping the wide midfielders to create mismatches. Diagram B below illustrates the problem an overlapping full back can create for the opposition;

Diagram B

X7 is carrying the ball central which creates a dilemma for O11. If O11 follows the ball carrier X7 can lead X2 with a pass and an attack down the flank is launched. If O11 tracks the overlapping run of X2 then X7 creates a 3 v 2 matchup in the central midfield area. Full backs can also push up to support and offer a back option to a winger who makes it to the byline. Diagram created with Coachfx.

Midfielders

Wide midfielders in a 4-4-2 system must provide width to the attack. They should start attacks wide to maximize the width of the field and spread out the opposition defense. This can be particularly difficult to deal with if the opposition chooses to field a 3 man defense or midfield. If the midfielder wants to carry the ball inside that is OK as illustrated in diagram B, however all runs should start from wide position. When the right midfielder is in possession of the ball in a crossing position, the left midfielder should cut in towards the goal and be a back post runner. This way an over hit cross that clears everybody will result in a goal scoring opportunity at the back post.

Central midfielders must contribute to the attack when attacking in a 4-4-2 system but do so in a disciplined fashion. If both central midfielders attack the opposition area then a loss of possession will leave the middle of the field massively exposed to a counter attack. If one central midfield player joins the attack, then the other should sit approximately 10 yards in front of halfway line, allowing them to gain possession of cleared balls and defend against counter attacks. This also saves the legs of midfielders who must contribute for an entire 90 minutes in both defense and attack.

Forwards

Forwards must provide the spearhead of the attacking system in a 4-4-2, while checking to the ball is a very common thing one forward should remain high on the offside line to avoid a sweeper getting a 5 to 10 yard head start. The lack of a high forward takes the through ball away as a viable option, making the team more predictable in its attacking play.

Runs into the channels between the fullbacks and center backs are an effective run for a forward. Receiving a through ball in these areas can give a forward the opportunity to shoot, or to provide a cross. If a forward gets into a wide position he will have the other forward to cross to, also a central midfield and the opposite wide midfield player should make attacking runs into the box.

If a forward is under pressure he should check towards the ball into the area between the defense and midfield. Players in this area create confusion as defenders or midfield can doubt who has responsibility for them. The possibility also exists of a central defender being sucked high out of position, and allowing space behind for runners to attack.

ACTION PLAN

Learn the roles and responsibility of each position.

Explain the system to every player.

Rehearse specific attacking situations in practice.

Encourage players to ask whenever they do not understand things.