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The 4-4-2 formation is the most popular
formation in today’s game. It consists of four defenders, four
midfielders, two forwards and a goalie. At first glance one might think
that this formation would limit scoring due to the lack of forward power.
This is not always true. In this formation, the midfielders and outside
defenders are much more active in the offensive attack, thus resulting in
goals.
DEFENDERS of the 4-4-2 can play many different ways. They can play in the
diamond formation, much like they would in the 4-3-3 formation. They can
play flat across the back of the field in a line. They can play in an arc
shape, eliminating the stopper position and forming a double sweeper. They
can also play three flat across the field with the sweeper hanging behind
in the middle ready to clean up any mistakes. Which way you want to set
your players depends a little bit on personnel and comfort. As far as
responsibilities go, they are very similar to the responsibilities the
defenders have in the 4-3-3 formation. The only difference occurs when you
play in the arc with the double sweeper or if you play the flat back four.
In these cases the position of stopper is eliminated and you are left with
two players that fulfil the role of sweeper. Generally you will use one of
your sweepers as strictly a man marker. You pick the opposing teams best
attacker and have your extra sweeper mark him all game long. Other than
that, the defensive rolls are all the same.
MIDFIELDERS of the 4-4-2 consist of four athletes. The right and left
midfielders still exist and carry out the same duties as with the 4-3-3
but a new member of the midfield moves in. This addition to the midfield
plays in the middle of the field alongside the centre midfielder. The two
become an offensive/defensive duo and do their best to hold the middle of
the field and control the game. Often times one player will take the roll
of attacking midfielder and the other the role of defensive midfielder,
although those labels are not branded in stone. These two central
midfielders may swap roles as long as they communicate and let the other
know when a switch is occurring. These four midfielders start looking a
little bit like the defensive diamond mentioned in the 4-3-3 formation.
Because the middle of the field is now occupied with two central players,
the defence can afford to eliminate the stopper position, due to the
excess help in the central midfield. The attacking midfielder is expected
to also step up the other way and help produce some offensive scoring
power though, now that the extra forward slot has been removed.
FORWARDS of the 4-4-2 consist of only two athletes. These two athletes
have a very unique job. They must work together the entire game, rarely
separating themselves by more then 10 to 20 yards. Together they must work
to close off angles and defenders from clearing the ball out of the defensive
areas. These two forwards must become so comfortable with each other that
they can predict where the others next move will be. It is very important
for these players to be fast and agile. It is also important that these
two players are in fairly good shape. Now that their are only two of them
up there they have to pick up some of the slack for the missing third
forward. The attacking midfielder, as mentioned above, should also help
pick up some of the slack but the responsibility of scoring goals is still
that of the forward so they must really work hard and work together to
accomplish their goal.
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