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Formations

The most common formations are:

4-4-2 - most widely used, solid in both attack and defense.
4-2-4 - very much attacking, midfield players must fit.
3-5-2 - when you have talented, creative, and fit midfielder's
4-3-3 - gives the impression of an extra player if used correctly
4-5-1 - defensive, away from home strategy to soak up pressure

In the game of soccer the formation describes how the players set up on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football. Formations describe the number of players in each area of the pitch from the defensive to the forwards. A 4 - 4 - 2 describes the formation as having: 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 forwards.

Formations also change for tactical reason depending on the opposition and if the team is playing home or away. The choice of formation is often related to other tactical choices, such as the choice of playing style. Formations can be altered during a game, but this requires flexibility from the players to fit in to the new system. This can be due to a team wishing to change their offensive or defensive strategy, or even due to the loss of a player.

Formations are used in both professional and amateur football matches. However, in amateur matches these tactics are sometimes adhered to less strictly due to the lesser severity of the occasion. Skill and discipline on behalf of the players is also needed to effectively carry out a given formation in professional football. Formations need to be chosen with the players available in mind, and some of the formations below were created to address deficits or strengths in different types of players.

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