|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 18/05/2012 09:23:53
Posts: 103,
Visits: 287
|
|
| I successfully played a 1-3-1 formation in a tournament recently with the overload midfield more than making up for just one player at the back. Because we were winning the ball almost straight away the lone defender wasn't put under too much pressure, and when he was the midfield could help out. It's very effective but very tiring ideal for the quick fire games in tournament play. I bet a lot of you have had success with one at the back - let me know if any of you regularly play this way.
Dave Clarke, Editor of Better Soccer Coaching Head Coach of Soccer Coach Weekly blogging at Soccer Coach blog
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 01/11/2011 01:01:22
Posts: 44,
Visits: 401
|
|
| Sort of. But not really I have a U9 boys "outdoor" team. Here, it's 7-a-side. Just this year, we have adopted a 1-2-1-2 system. It forms a diamond shape which we like as we are constantly stressing triangles as we teach them how how to link play. It also mirrors in a way a 4-4-2 diamond system. So, this 1-2-1-2 system has a sweeper and he's ultimately the last man back - always goal side. We have 2 very strong skillful kids who can play there. The 2 midfielders on the outside effectively function as wing backs so it's a lot of running. We are trying to encourage width in our play this year as well - and this helps with that. We have our most skillful ball winner type player in the middle. He is also our fastest player by far. Then we just have the 2 usual strikers. We've done well with it thus far but it's still early and if there's a weakness it's the tendency for the wing backs to attack and get caught.
Gav Coach - U8 Boys (Toronto, Canada)
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 31/05/2010 20:02:17
Posts: 14,
Visits: 8
|
|
| I usually only coach older teams, so they are playing 11 a side. However, in the indoor league we play with 5 outfielders and 1 goalie. I have implemented a similiar system 1-2-1-1 - one sweeper, two wide defenders/midfielders, an attacking midfielder and a striker. The system worked wonders for our team once everyone figured out how to play their positions properly. This formation does take a lot of work from the wide players, getting up and down the flanks. The attacking midfielder also has to come back and play a large part on the defensive end. I allow the striker to roam free up top. Forcing the opposition to defend him, rather than putting 5 behind the ball and defending in a defensive shell. This also provides an outline for our team when we regain possesion of the ball. There are some great articles on Soccer Formations if you any needs more guidance implementing different formations into their team. Happy Coaching. Remeber, the formation you choose must be based on the players you have available.
Do you want to become a better Soccer player? Soccer Coach? Soccer Parent? http://www.the-soccer-essentials.com
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 25/05/2010 20:28:48
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| I coached a u9/u10 (Girls) travel group this way for two years. Some noticeable coaching opportunities here for long term success. You teach the youngest players that the game is played in the midfield with numbers up because most groups go with a more static 2-3 or 3-2. So by having 3 players consistenly in motion you will have 4v2 at one end and 4v3 at the other with a strength in numbers scenario. When committing those three players to playing both offense and defense you are giving those 3 players freedom/permission to travel where the ball is and be a part of it all which is what they really want to be doing. You get them playing transition soccer at an early age with great success while other teams are in more of a "static" formation where mentally each player is taught and thought of as a defender or attacker and less likely to travel out of their "zone". The tactics of 1-3-1 are obviously moot at this particular age group. You are inviting and rewarding high energy and intense involvement by those hard working 3 because they are working the whole field. When you are 8,9 or 10 years old developmentally that is exactly what your kids need. Movement and ball touches taking the play and calling it your own while other teams are playing passively as a 2-3 or 3-2.
Ron Giroux
rongiroux@yahoo.com
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 27/05/2010 04:59:08
Posts: 4,
Visits: 6
|
|
| I have tried a number of formations for 5 field players. The 1-3-1 is probably my favorite overall. As long as my 3 middies are committed to getting back on D and the defender is patient in delaying the attack rather than charging ahead to steal the ball it works very well. Other formations present tactical problems with the defense or the offense. 1-3-1 presents a strong control of the center of the field and gives you support down the middle as well as an outlet forward.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03/11/2011 12:05:14
Posts: 7,
Visits: 16
|
|
| I have tried alot of different formations, in our first season running u7s, and have started this preseason trying something abit different. We play 8 a side and i have tried to operate a sweeper system with 2 wing backs, 3 midfield and 1 attacker. so effectively a 1 2 3 1. The wingback areas are the problem where they get caught out and the midfield are too high up pitch. Think im going to persevere with it though for a few more sessions as it could really work? what are your thoughts??
Rafa
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 27/05/2011 16:43:21
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
I tend to agree with a 1 3 1 formation but have to allow your players to play where they want in relation to the play. Making sides too rigid doesn't allow some player to express themselves as they are more worried about standing where they are told rather than getting involved in the game.
You need to to allow players to play in all directions to retain ball possession and remind them to defend and attack as a team.
Good practice drill is to create a small sided game using 4 small goals (2 at each end) and allow play and goals to be scored in any direction. It give players the opportunity to keep the ball, change direction and learn the use of space to their advantage.
|
|
|
|