Formations - 4-5-1

The 4 - 5 - 1:

This formation is often used by a team playing away, the idea being to soak up the pressure, overloading the midfield to slow down the opposition attacks.
From an offensive point of view when in possession, the system relies on the wing backs getting forward supported by maybe one midfielder to help the forward.
In most cases when possession is lost a team playing this formation will drop back to the half way line closing the gap between the formation units making it hard for the opposition to play through them.
When winning possession the team relies on a fast break attack getting shots off quickly as they do not want to commit to many players up the pitch.
If this formation is not played correctly the forward will become isolated and lose possession.
This formation requires a big target man upfront who can control and hold the ball whilst waiting for support.

Other Formations: