Overview of a 4-3-3 Formation

Deciding which formation to use for your team depends on many factors. There is not any one formation that is necessarily better then another nor is there any formation that is perfect for all teams. A coach has the responsibility of accessing:

- The strengths and weaknesses of their players
- The strengths and weaknesses of the opposition
- The number of players at each position that are available
- The situation in the game (winning, losing, or drawing)
- Whether you are playing at home or away

Be careful not to over analyze the situation and go with a formation that will not confuse your players. Too much change can make it hard for players to adapt but it is good to be able to change up your tactics from time to time given the situation the team is in.

A 4-3-3 formation consists of 4 defenders, 3 midfielders, and 3 forwards. This is an attacking formation where you look overwhelm the opposing defense with 3 forwards. The midfielders have to pinch in toward the middle and leave the wide space for the outside defenders. Not too many teams use this formation unless they are losing a game and need to put more pressure on the defense to score a goal late in the game.

This formation works well when you have:

- Little time left in the game and are down a goal
- Three strong midfielders who can cover the extra midfielder
- Problems scoring with only two forwards

Defenders in a 4-3-3

The back four defenders must be able to work as one unit and shift together to provide adequate cover for each other and the midfielders. Each defender must be good communicators to ensure the team shape is maintained. Traditionally this system is played with a flat back four system (shown below) which allows for better shifting as well as an opportunity to run an offside trap.But if your team is having difficulty keeping a line or shifting as a unit then you can use a diamond formation. In a diamond formation one of the central defenders becomes a 'sweeper' and works to cover the other defenders.

While attacking the 4-3-3 formation allows for one of the outside defenders to get into the attacking third while still maintaining an advantage in the defensive third.

Midfielders in a 4-3-3

The midfielders must be able to work as one unit to close as much space as possible because they will be a player down. They have to maintain compactness and avoid being spread out on defense while providing support to defenders and attackers. The midfielders must be very good athletes and work well together to cover the extra space left by the missing midfielder. Offensively the midfielders should limit their runs to supporting the forwards. Since they are at a disadvantage making runs in behind the defense without another player covering the open space will leave to much for the other players to cover.

Forwards in a 4-3-3

Since there are three forwards instead of two the space will be divide differently. Two of the forwards will play as outside forwards and the other will be a center forward. The forwards should frequently interchange with each other to unbalance the defense. The outside forwards work the flanks just like an outside midfielder and create chances through crosses. Of the three the outside forwards should be fast and good at dribbling. The center forward should be good in the air and be able to post up and hold the ball for the team. Usually using three forwards means your team is losing the game and you are trying to score a goal late by pushing numbers forward. So defensively the forwards should pressure the defenders as much as possible and will have to work back into the midfield to help the center midfielder.