Structure’s, Strategies & Composition

1. Structure’s, Strategies & Composition Key Concept 2 Key Feature 2 Benefits + Limitations

2. Benefits and Limitations • 442 structure / formation • 352 Structure / formation • 4231structure / formation

3. STRENGTHS OF THE 4:4:2 Defensively strong because eight players can get behind the ball Defensively very compact providing limited space for opponents Defensively easy to cover for other teammates In attack it allows wide midfielders to overlap and join the front line A quick transition can be made to attack by playing to the target man In helps to develop a counter attack because the two wide midfielders are in position to receive outlet pass Well balanced providing good angular passing options and support WEAKNESSES OF THE 4:4:2 Defensively wasteful if opponents only play with one or two forwards Forwards can become isolated and overloaded if unable to hold the ball up Can be a stalemate if opponents play the same formation and have a similar level of player quality in each position Can be overrun in midfield if opponents play with five midfielders. USE WHEN…. Suits qualities of players Need to be defensively strong Playing against a counter attacking team A lead has been developed Need to be defensively safe but still provide an attacking threat

4. STRENGTHS OF THE 3:5:2 Flexibility in attack, more options Dominant midfield, able to overload area and create safe passing options Width in attack, wing backs creating space Depth in attack, support from unmarked midfield runners A quick transition can be made to attack by playing to the target man Protection, 5 midfielders help to keep ball away from defence More attacking formation WEAKNESSES OF THE 3:5:2 Exploitable due to space at sides of defence Relies on specific qualities in players eg wing backs Limited support in defensive areas Open to counter attack especially if wing backs are attacking USE WHEN….. Team has specialist qualities in players Team needs to score Opposition have strong midfield Forwards need quicker support Team has more creative players

5. 4231 Benefits/Advantages (Strengths) Defensively strong because 9 players can get behind the ball Defensively very compact providing limited space for opponents Defensively easy to cover for other teammates Flexibility in attack, more options and mobility Dominant midfield, able to overload area and create safe passing options Depth in attack with support coming from attacking midfielders and FB’s Suits counter attack style due to quick transition from defence to attack through wide AM’s Two defensive midfielders provide cover and give freedom for others to attack Good for possession Limitations Only 1 forward – weak in attack – isolated – tires quickly Requires many special roles 2 DM’s in midfield can be wasteful against a defensive team Use when Specialist players in team Playing Counter attack strategy Want to be defensively strong but still threat in attack (link to counter) Want to control possession / tempo of game Opponents are strong in possession – hard to break down

6. You need to know • 2 Formations and for each one know: • Benefits • Limitations • When you would use it

7. Group task • 6 groups • One tactic • Talk for 1 minute about: • Benefits of that formation • OR • Limitations of that formation and WHEN you may use it • “This is group 1, describing the benefits of the 4231 formation….”

8. Individual task • As a group ask a question about the 1 minute audio clip to CHALLENGE the speaker/group • Do you disagree with any statements? • Anything you would add? • “Give an example of ….how one forward can be isolated in attack?” • “You said three in defence was strong – justify your statement?”

9. Higher 2011 Q8 • Select one of these structures, strategies or compositions. • (b) Explain the advantage(s) of using it in a performance situation. (4) • (c) Explain the advantage(s) of using the other structure, strategy or composition in a performance situation. (4) • (d) Discuss one limitation of each of these structures, strategies or compositions. (6)

10. Intermediate 2 – 2011 Q8 • (b) Describe the strengths of your chosen structure, strategy or composition. (4) • (c) Describe the weaknesses of your chosen structure, strategy or composition. (4)