Tactical analysis of different formations used by football teams.

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Dale James                -  -

Mini-Task 2 - Tactical Analysis

4-4-2

Strengths

The 4-4-2 is a very common formation for a lot of teams as it has a good balance between the defence, midfield and forward players. It is a good formation for playing with width if the wingers push forward to support the front line. There are 2 forwards which means they will be able to work together to create chances and will also be supported with width. This formation also gives the chance for one or both midfielders to support attacks by pushing forward, and the defence by dropping back and performing a holding role. If one central midfielder pushes forward, and the other drops back, the formation would then become a 4-4-2 diamond which some teams would choose to start with. This makes the formation more adaptable to suit the current situation or tactics. In defensive situations, the players would be spread quite evenly in there own half, which wouldn’t leave any space for the opposition and they would also be able to close down the players quicker.

Weaknesses

Gives chance for midfielders to support attack and defence, but this means that they will have to work harder than normal. This is also the case for any supporting role using this formation as because the players are so evenly spread across the field, they will have to run more to support other players. This is a major disadvantage for this formation as if the players are fatigued during play, then their performance levels will increasingly fall.

Summary

This is an all-round well balanced, adaptable formation with good width. There are many supporting options but the players (especially midfielders) would have to be able to work hard and have good stamina to maintain a good level of play.

How my team uses this formation

When my team uses this formation we use short quick passing around the defence and midfield as there is plenty of support in these areas. When the forwards have the ball one of our central midfielders will go up to support along with the wingers and the other central midfielders will stay back in case we lose the ball and need support at the back. At this point our formation will have become a 4-4-2 diamond. Also, one of our forwards will play slightly behind the other so the one behind can try and play in the other for chances on goal which is useful when counter attacking.

My role in formation

I play as a central midfielder. In this Formation my I have the defensive role rather than attacking role of the two midfielders. My job is to hold back when attacking and support the defence if they need it. Any long balls I play would be to the forwards or the wingers on a run.

How it could be improved for our team/how I could improve

Our team could use this formation more effectively if we got our right/left backs to get forward for attacks to replace the wingers roles after they have gone up to support the forwards. This would give the midfield more numbers in these situations and would also put more pressure on the opposition.

I have an important role in this formation to make good long passes to the forwards. Practicing my long passes would improve my overall performance when playing in this formation.

Compared to professional team/player

Stoke City use the 4-4-2 formation regularly with Rory Delap as their defensive midfielder. Delap is renowned for his throwing ability and work rate on the pitch but he plays a key role in breaking down opposition play. My role is similar in how I hold back to defend in midfield where others may push forward in attacks. To improve my own game I could work on my stamina and fitness so I can show the same work rate as Delap does for Stoke.

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4-3-3

Strengths

The biggest advantage to this formation is that it has a strong attacking force. This is useful for all attacking moves and also very effective during counter attacks. This is because there are usually less defenders than normal when counter attacking, eg, from a corner and 1 or 2 defenders have gone forward to attack. This would give the strikers a good chance on goal if there were more strikers than defenders. Even during normal play, with 3 players forward, that would put the oppositions defence under a lot of continuous pressure. There are also more ...

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