Formation and tactics

Formation of a team against a specific opponent and for a specific game play is really important. A good tactical manager is always looking at the formation to cope with their opponents. Following is a guide and some important formations that can be useful for you to adopt. Review it and choose the best formation for your team to give the best :)

4-5-1

(4 Defenders, 5 midfielders and 1 Striker)

Having four defenders, 5 midfielders and one striker you can further choose many combinations. Some major are listed below

4-2-3-1

It is the formation having 2 full backs, 2 CBs, 1 CDM, 1 CM, 2 wingers and 1 CAM and 1 striker. Mostly used by teams having the game of counter attack.

4-3-2-1

In this formation, there are 2 full backs, 2 CBs, 3 CMs, 2 wingers and 1 striker. A balanced formation which is useful for both (possession and counter attack).

4-1-4-1

Having four defenders and one CDM (whose work rate must be very high), 2 wingers and 2 CM and then a striker with the intention of blasting in the attack, this formation can be handy sometimes in attack. (Risky however)  

4-3-3

(4 Defenders, 3 Midfielders and 3 Forwards)

Game of possession. Having four defenders, 3 midfielders and three forwards, you can further choose many combinations for a balanced formation for attacking and defensive game. Some major are listed below

4-2-1-3

Four defenders at back, 2 CDM to cover, 1 CAM to provide assist in buildup and three forwards to score in the net. It is one of the most balanced formations.

4-1-2-3
If you have full confidence on your defense then you can boost your attack by putting 2 CM and three forwards to score as much goals as you want.

4-4-2

(4 Defenders, 4 Midfielders and 2 Forwards)

Having four defenders, 4 midfielders and one two Strikers, you can further choose either 4-4-2 balanced or 4-4-2 diamond formation.

4-4-2(balanced)

With the intension of Strengthen the defensive midfield and to play long balls to Pacy forwards, teams use this formation to not concede goals hoping that there come chances to score. 4 defenders, 4 CM and 2 Strikers are played. In those 2 forwards, 1 forward is however is assigned a task to provide as much balls as he can to another striker who has better ability of finding the net.

4-4-2(Diamond)

With the intension of bossing the midfield and to play possession and counter together, teams use this formation. By putting 1 CDM in front of four defenders following two wingers who build up with 1 CAM to assist two strikers.

4-2-2-2

Having too much wingers who have pace and can play side by side together, long balls are played to change side and counter. It can be handy and useful in some situations. 4 defenders, 2 CM, 2 wingers and two strikers are played.

3-2-4-1(3-6-1)

3 defenders, 6 midfielders and 1 striker

Three defenders at the back, 2 CDM in front of them and 4 CM have freedom to move flexibly towards defensive and attacking side. In those 6 midfielder, 2 are wing backs who can move to back 5 when defending. This flexible formation demands huge stamina because players have to come back while defending and to step forward while doing a counter attack.

3-2-3-2(3-5-2)

3 defenders, 5 midfielders and 2 Strikers

With the huge amount of demanding hard work from midfielders and to boost the chance of scoring one more striker is played.  3 Center Backs, 2 CDMs, 3CMs and 2 Strikers are needed. One can also play 2 wing backs here as well.

3-2-2-3(3-4-3)

3 defenders, 4 midfielders and 3 Forwards

If you have much experienced quality defenders then you can put only three at back. And two sets of two sideways CM following two wingers to play long balls in to three forwards.

(5-4-1)

5 defenders, 4 midfielders and 1 striker

Mostly used when a team has better defenders than forwards. 5 defenders at back, covering the whole goal line (also known as parking the bus in front of goal). A weird formation used against toughest opponents with the intention of not conceding even a single goal. To hell with the attack!!!

5-2-1-2(5-3-2)

5 defenders, 3 midfielders and 2 forwards

Also when a team has better defenders, they go for it. Parking the bus, not to concede, clear the ball long, wait for a chance and hope to score. This is the mindset of a team which plays this formation. A worthy formation against tough opponents to do upset ;)