Soccer Number 10 Training Guide (69 Pages)

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“If you have not consciously made the decision to be a
number 10, skill, brave, and healthy then you have
unconsciously made the decision to be an average soccer
player, unskilled, mediocre, and unhealthy.”- Dennis Lee
Soccer Number 10
GUIDE v1.0
What you need to know to go from a beginner to the Pros

“The number 10 is not for the weak or the faint of heart….But it’s for all
those who dare to do and dream the impossible!” Dennis Lee
The
Number 10
Is not a birthright or a Race,
or can it be bought or sold.
It is not a gender favor
or even one country controlled,
less anyone or country should boast,
but it’s a gift

from the Divine to the
world and to every soccer player
from all walks of life and cultures and colors.
So that mankind and soccer can have hope!
by Dennis lee
The Soccer Number 10 Code Of Conduct.
I am a number 10 I will always conduct myself so as to bring honor and respect
to my team and my country and most of all myself.
I will at all times be ready for battle with confidence and skill without any fear
what so ever!
I have seen defeat so many times, that the fear of losing pushes me beyond my
average skill levels, to try everything in my powers to create an opportunity for
my team!
Even if we are losing, I will never quit until the clock stops!
I will always respect my opponents and the officials of the game. However, I am
aware that many of my opponents will always not share the same respect with
me. So I will teach them how to, with my skills!
I will practice harder that every player on my team, just because my burden is
heavy and I want to be able to balance the soccer world upon my shoulders
when the going gets tough!
I will always seek spiritual help from my source of worship! So that my will and
confidence, and skill will never diminished with my soccer games or soccer life!
I am very proud and honored to be apart of something so great. By representing
a legacy of soccer’s greatest heroes!
I am a number 10 “Skillest of The Skill, Player of Honor” and I will honor this
number!
The code of conduct will help you to stay focus within your soccer games.
It will also guide you along safe paths and cause you to reduce the danger that
comes with soccer!
Study it and keep it near to your heart!
The Creed of Soccer Number 10
No soccer player is more skill or physically fit than I. I am a Soccer Number 10

“Skilliest of the Skill, Bravest of the Brave Player of HONOR- a Leader of
soccer players!” As a Number 10 I know that I represent a legacy of great soccer
number 10s, which are known as the backbone of soccer.
I will at all times conduct myself professionally under great pressure, so as to

bring honor upon this noble game called soccer and also my team and my
country regardless of any situation in which I find myself.
I will never use my fame or number to attain any political motives or to even
disrespect anyone’s culture, race, country, or creed.
I am proud to be a soccer number 10.Deep within my heart burns my Divine

source! This source is my secret elixir for: skill, creativity and talent. Without this
divine source I would be like unto a fool thinking and believing that it was just to
have great coaches and great teams were all that I needed to make me a great
soccer player!
“This Divine source it my strength, my courage, my skill, and my hope to give

them a game that they have never seen before!”
Discipline and skill are my concentration. My responsibilities as a number 10 will

always be upper most within my mind and burning within my heart. To create
great plays, to motivate and left my team’s spirit at all times and to win honorably!
I will strive to be physical fit and health at all times by refraining from drugs or
anything that will alters my mind and body performance-even my soul will I
protect!
All fans and soccer games need someone to left the atmosphere, and I will
provide this atmosphere by creating beautiful plays with my team or by myself.
When ever my team lacks confidence during the game I will be their confidence
or create it!
I know how to deal with defeat and victory!

With defeat I will study it to find the ‘whys, and if I did’ and with victory I will just
add another trophy.
I will not forget nor will I allow other number 10s to forget that we are – number
10s “Skilliest of the Skill, Bravest of the Brave, Players of Honor-
Soccer Number 10 Leaders! By Dennis Lee
Introduction
To be a professional, you need to be an exceptional footballer. There are plenty
of "pretty good" players out there, but you can't afford to be one of them. The
bottom line is, if you're great, you'll make it. Before you begin your quest, you
must know what soccer is. Soccer is a team sport played between two teams of
eleven players, and is widely considered to be the most popular sport in the
world. It is a football variant played on a rectangular grass or artificial turf field,
with a goal at each of the short ends. The object of the game is to score by
maneuvering the ball into the opposing goal. In general play, the goalkeepers are
the only players allowed to use their hands or arms to propel the ball; the rest of
the team usually use their feet to kick the ball into position, occasionally using
their torso or head to intercept a ball in midair. The team that scores the most
goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied at the end of the game,
either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty
shootout, depending on the format of the competition.
The modern game was codified in England following the formation of The
Football Association, whose 1863 Laws of the Game created the foundations for
the way the sport is played today. Football is governed internationally by the
International Federation of Association Football, commonly known by the
acronym FIFA. The most prestigious international football competition is the FIFA
World Cup, held every four years. This event, the most widely viewed in the
world, boasts an audience twice that of the Summer Olympic Games.
Two teams of eleven players each compete to get the ball into the other team's
goal (between the posts and under the bar), thereby scoring a goal. The team
that has scored more goals at the end of the game is the winner; if both teams
have scored an equal number of goals then the game is a draw.
The primary rule is that players (other than goalkeepers) may not deliberately
handle the ball with their hands or arms during play (though they do use their
hands during a throw-in restart). Although players usually use their feet to move
the ball around, they may use any part of their bodies other than their hands or
arms. Within normal play, all players are free to play the ball in any direction and
move throughout the pitch, though the ball cannot be received in an offside
position.
In typical game play, players attempt to create goal scoring opportunities through
individual control of the ball, such as by dribbling, passing the ball to a team-
mate, and by taking shots at the goal, which is guarded by the opposing
goalkeeper. Opposing players may try to regain control of the ball by intercepting
a pass or through tackling the opponent in possession of the ball. Football is
generally a free-flowing game, with play stopping only when the ball has left the
field of play or when play is stopped by the referee.
Basic Soccer Rules
Basic soccer rules are pretty simple to follow, the team that scores the most
goals wins!
Each team will consist of 11 starting players of which there is one goalkeeper
and 10 outfield players. The game will be played on a soccer pitch and the field
dimension will normally be just over 100 yards long although it could be shorter if
it is a youth soccer game.
Soccer teams are normally split into formations consisting of defense, goalkeeper
and forwards. Each team will also nominate a captain although this role is not as
significant as other sports such as cricket and rugby. The captain will start the
game by tossing a coin with the referee and the winning captain has the option of
selecting which way their team will shoot. This can be an advantage if there is a
strong wind which could change direction by the time the teams reach the
second half.
Soccer games consist of two halves lasting 45 minutes each although injury time
is often added by the referee to cover any stoppages. If the game is a cup tie, a
world cup final for example then extra time will be played consisting of an extra
two 15 minute periods. If the teams are still level at this stage the game will
develop into a penalty shoot with each team nominating 5 penalty kick takers
who will try and beat the goalkeeper from the penalty spot (12 yards) until one
team wins.
During the game the referee has the power to caution players and issue yellow
and red cards. Yellow cards are issued for minor or a serious of fouls by the
same player which results in a booking, however if two yellow cards are issued
then this equals a red card and the offending player is sent off the field.
A straight red card can be also be issued for serious foul play or denying an
opponent a goal scoring opportunity. Each team has to have a minimum of 7
players on the field so if one team has more than 5 players sent off then the
game would be abandoned; this is very rare but has happened a few times in
violent games!
One of the most important basic rules of soccer is the offside rule which basically
prevents attacking players from gaining an unfair advantage as when a pass is
made there has to be 2 opposition players closer to the goal than the attacking
player. If the attacking player is level with a defender then he is still onside so
play continues. The referee has two assistants (previously known as linesman)
on either side of the field to help judge the offside rule.
When is a player called offside?
A player, usually a striker, is called offside when he is nearer to the other team's
goal than both the ball and the second last opponent. The second last opponent
usually being the last defender from the opponent team, an offside occurs when
the striker is closer to the opposing team's goal than that team's last defender.
To put it simply, try to picture an imaginary line on Team A's last defender, a line
parallel to the goal line. If Team B's striker is over this line when his teammate
passes the ball, then he is offside. If Team B's striker is on the same line as
Team A's last defender (or under the line) then he is in a correct position.
One more thing to look after in an offside: it doesn't matter if Team B's striker is
over this line when he receives the ball. The moment to look after is the moment
the midfielder passes the ball, which will trigger an offside if the striker is over the
last defender line.
Passive Offside
The passive offside is one of the most debated FIFA soccer rules over the last
few years and it seems they finally found a good way to handle it. A player is in
"passive offside" if he's in an offside position but doesn't play the ball, in which
case the ref doesn't call the offside. A tricky striker can confuse the defense into
laying low thinking an offside will be called, only to avoid playing the ball, allowing
another teammate to pick up the ball, and potentially score.
Obviously, what "playing the ball" means is slightly interpretational. Even if the
striker in the offside position doesn't touch the ball, but influences the play
otherwise (runs towards the ball, covers the goalkeeper's viewpoint and so forth)
he comes out of passive offside and the referee blows the call.
Fouls
In FIFA's "Constitution", Laws of the Game, a foul is the act of kicking, tripping,
jumping in/at, charging, striking or pushing an opponent. Fouls in soccer are
penalized by handing over the ball to the team that suffered the foul if the foul
has been committed outside a penalty area. In this case, a direct or indirect free
kick is given, depending on the nature of the soccer foul, with the kick being
taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
In case the offence occurs in the defending team's penalty area, the ref will give
the attacking team a penalty kick, which is a great scoring opportunity, allowing a
player to take a shot from 12 yards (11 meters) with just the opposing goalkeeper
to beat and no defenders around him. The player that caused the foul is also in
danger of being cautioned with a yellow card, or being sent off from the pitch with
a red card, if the offence was way over the limits.
Examples of red card fouls include extremely hard tackles that injure or are
aimed at injuring an opposing player, intentionally hitting or stepping on a fallen
opponent. However, a player is also shown a red card if he collects two
cautionary yellows.
The above mentioned fouls are all direct contact and thus are all penalized with
at least a direct free kick. Like I said earlier however, there are at least three
soccer foul types that don't necessarily require direct contact to be penalized.
One would be preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hand.
Even if you don't touch the keeper, simply standing in front of him, not allowing
him to throw or kick the ball forward is considered a foul and penalized with an
indirect free kick (not that anyone would attempt a shot on goal from their own
keeper's grounds, but rules are rules…).
Another similar type of soccer foul, also known as obstruction, occurs when the
defender cuts the running direction of the opposing player, regardless if he has
the ball or not (although the "victim" of this type of soccer foul is the player
controlling the ball, 9 out of 10 times). Last but not least, dangerous play occurs
when a player has a potentially dangerous kick close to an opposing player.
Free Kicks
There are 8 reasons for which the game can be stopped and similarly, 8 ways to
restart it. Each period of time starts with a kick-off (1) and the game is also
restarted with a kick-off if a team scores a goal. If the ball goes out on the side
lines, the player who last touched the ball conceded a throw-in (2). The game is
restarted with the other team throwing the ball back into play.
The goal kick (3) is awarded to the defending team, if the attacking team took the
ball out of play on the defending team's goal line. The game is restarted with the
goalkeeper kicking it from within the safety box. If the defending team touches
the ball last and it goes over their own goal line, outside of the goal itself, then
the opposing team earns a corner kick (4) and they will be required to restart the
game from the corner nearest to where the ball went out.
An indirect free kick (5) is awarded when a team produces a non-penal foul
(dangerous play or offside for example) and the game is restarted with a ground
kick that cannot be taken towards goal (if a player scores directly from an indirect
free kick, without another player touching the ball, the goal won't stand). A direct
free kick (6) is caused by a foul or handball and unlike the indirect free kick it can
be struck directly towards the goal.
A penalty kick (7) is similar to a direct free kick in that it is caused by a foul or
handball, but the offence occurs inside the defending team's penalty area. The
game is restarted with one of the attacking team's players shooting for goal from
the penalty spot (11 meters, perpendicularly on goal), with nothing but a
goalkeeper to beat.
The last of these eight soccer rules is rarer and it's called the dropped ball (8).
The dropped ball occurs when the referee stops the game for a special reason
(an injured player, ball becoming defective or the interference of an external
factor) and the game is restarted with him dropping the ball from shoulder height
in front of two players who will battle for possession (sort of how basketball
matches decide initial possession)
One additional soccer rule worth mentioning is that players from the opposing
team must be at least 9.15 meters away from the position where the free kick will
be struck. Also, the player that kicks the ball initially on a free kick cannot touch it
again until a teammate or opposing player touches it.
Penalty Kicks
Penalty kicks are conceded when a defended player fouls or commits handball
inside the 18 yard box (commonly known as the penalty box). It's important to
know that not all offences inside the penalty box are punished with a penalty kick.
For example, if a player commits dangerous play inside his own penalty box, the
referee will award an indirect free kick from the place that the offence occurred.
When the penalty kick is taken, the only two players in the 18 yard box are the
penalty taker and the defending team's goalkeeper. Everyone else must sit
outside the box and can only move towards the ball once it is kicked. So if the
penalty is saved by the goalkeeper or strikes the bar, a player could run from the
edge of the box and gain possession.
The Throw In
When the ball goes out of play on the side lines, the opponent of the player who
last touched the ball will take a throw in. The throwing method has to follow some
rather strict rules; otherwise the referee might dictate a throw in for the other
team. The player taking the throw must keep his feet outside the side line, with
the sole on the ground and the actual throw must be executed with the ball over
the thrower's head.
The Goal Kick
The goal kick is a means of restarting play after the attacking team took the ball
over the defending team's byline. The goal kick acts as a direct free kick, so if a
player would kick the ball so hard that it would reach the opposing team's goal
and score, the goal would count.
One extra soccer rule regarding the goal kick states that the kick must be
powerful enough to pass the penalty area. So in case the goalkeeper executes
the goal kick and passes the ball to a teammate in his own penalty box, the goal
kick is re-taken.
The Corner Kick
A corner kick occurs when the ball passes over the defending player's goal line
with a defender having touched the ball last. The corner kick acts as a direct free
kick taken from the corner of the pitch (if the ball passes the line on the left of the
goal, the corner is taken from the left corner and if it passes on the right, the
corner is taken from the right corner).
The same rules as for a direct free kick apply, in that opposing players must be at
least 9.15 meters away from the corner, the corner taker may score directly from
the corner kick and the kicker can't play the ball a second time until it's touched
by another player. The only additional rule is that the ball be placed in the corner
arc.
Soccer Positions
Goal Keeper
The goalkeeper is the most specialized position in football. A goalkeeper's job is
mainly defensive: to guard the team's goal from being breached (to not let the
other team score). Goalkeeper is the only position defined in the FIFA Laws of
the Game. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their
hands and arms, however they are restricted to doing so only within their penalty
area; for this reason, they must wear jerseys that distinguish them from other
outfield players and the referee.
Goalkeepers must wear clothing that distinguishes them clearly from other
players and match officials, as this is all that the FIFA Laws of the Game require.
Some goalkeepers have received recognition for their match attire, like Lev
Yashin of the Soviet Union who was nicknamed the "Black Panther" for his
distinctive all-black outfit. Most goalkeepers also wear goalkeeper gloves to
improve their grip on the ball, and to protect themselves from injury. There are
now gloves that have features designed to prevent injuries such as sprained
fingers. Gloves are not mandatory; however, due to the increased grip they give,
it is very rare for a goalkeeper to play without them in professional matches.
The discipline of goalkeeping is so specialized that it is very rare in the
professional game for a goalkeeper to play in any other position. One notable
exception is Jorge Campos of Mexico, who played effectively as a striker when
called upon. A goalkeeper with good technical skill may opt to take his team's
penalties and free kicks, though this is rare as the goalkeeper would be caught
out of position if possession is conceded immediately after the kick. Physical
strength, height, jumping ability and judgment are valued qualities for
goalkeepers to have in order to deal with aerial balls and agility, quick reactions
and a good positional sense are all needed for shot stopping.
Defenders
Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is
to provide support to the goalkeeper, and to prevent the opposition from scoring
a goal. They usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are
defending. Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box
when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head
is a possibility.
Center back
The job of the center back, center half, central defender, or stopper is to stop
opposing players, particularly the strikers, from scoring, and to bring the ball out
from their penalty area. As their name suggests, they play in a central position.
Most teams employ two center backs, stationed in front of the goalkeeper. There
are two main defensive strategies used by center backs: the zonal defense,
where each center back covers a specific area of the pitch, and man-to-man
marking, where each center back has the job of covering a particular opposition
player.
Center backs are often tall, with good heading and tackling ability. An ability to
read the game well is a distinct advantage. Sometimes, particularly in lower
grades of football, center backs concentrate less on ball control and passing,
preferring to merely clear the ball in a "safety-first" fashion. However, there is a
long tradition of center backs having more than just rudimentary football skill,
enabling a more possession-oriented playing style.
The position was formerly referred to as center half, although the emphasis of the
center half was more forward thinking in action. In the early part of the 20th
century, when most teams employed the 2-3-5 formation, the two players at the
back were called full backs and the row of three players in front of them were
called half backs. As formations evolved, the central player in this trio, the center
half, moved into a more defensive position on the field, taking the name of the
position with them. The right and left players in the trio were called the right half
and left half respectively.
Center backs usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are
defending, but tall defenders will often go forward to the opposing team's penalty
box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's
head is a possibility.
Sweeper
The sweeper is a more versatile type of center back that "sweeps up" the ball if
the opponent manages to breach the defensive line. His or her position is rather
more fluid than other defenders who man-mark their designated opponents.
Because of this, the position is sometimes referred to as libero (from the Italian
word meaning free). The sweeper's ability to read the game is even more vital
than for a center back. A sweeper is sometimes expected to build counter-
attacking moves, and as such requires better ball control and passing ability than
a typical center back. However, sweepers are often merely defensive players.
For example, the Catenaccio system of play, used in Italian football in the 1960s,
employed a purely defensive sweeper who only 'roamed' around the back line.
Franz Beckenbauer is perhaps the greatest ever sweeper to have graced the
game. In the 1974 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands, he, Paul
Breitner and Berti Vogts man marked Johan Cruyff so well that the Dutch were
never able to fully employ their "total football" tactics. Consequently, the
Germans won when Müller slotted in the winning goal.
Some sweepers move forward and distribute the ball up-field, while others
intercept passes and get the ball off the opposition without needing to hurl
themselves into tackles. In modern football, its usage has been fairly restricted,
with few clubs in the biggest leagues using the position.
A relatively recent innovation is the "Sweeper-Keeper" where a goalkeeper stays
higher up the pitch than he might normally do, and performs the defensive
actions of a sweeper by clearing long and through balls outside the penalty area.
Most of these goalkeepers are fast and with some outfield skill, required if they
get themselves into trouble with a poor decision to "rush out" of the penalty area.
Many of these keepers are also "eccentric" which can sometimes combine to
cause disastrous mistakes such as losing the ball outside the area to an
opposing striker, handling the ball or fouling and being sent off or being lobbed
after being too far out of the goal area. This style is considered to have
developed as a result of the new back-pass rule in 1992.
Full back
The full backs take up the wide defensive positions, one on each side of the field.
Their main task is to prevent opposition players crossing or cutting the ball back
into the penalty area. In some defensive systems, full backs man-mark
opponents. Most full backs are also expected to provide an attacking dimension
by getting up field along the wings and providing crosses.
In the traditional 2-3-5 team formation, the two players in the final row of defense
before the goalkeeper were referred to as full backs. This formation is little used
in the modern game, having been replaced largely by the four-man defense, but
the term "full back" lives on — the full backs now occupy the wide positions in the
defensive line, with the old center half [back] doubled-up to fill the central
defensive position.
The traditional English full back was a large, strong man who would make
substantial use of "hacking" - deliberately kicking the shins of opponents, a
practice that was accepted as legal in Britain but not in other countries, and
caused major controversy as the game became increasingly internationalized
from the 1950s on. It is now effectively banned everywhere, and it is this in part
that has given rise to a different set of defensive roles.
In contrast, the role of the full back often involves an attacking element: to some
extent the full backs have replaced the winger and are expected to get forward to
deliver crosses from a wide position. The modern full back is usually pace, strong
in the tackle and with good stamina to get up and down the field.
Wingback
The wingbacks are a modern variation on the full back with heavier emphasis on
attack. The name is a portmanteau of "winger" and "back". They are usually
employed in a 3-5-2 formation, and could therefore be considered part of the
midfield. But they may also be used in a 5-3-2 formation and therefore have a
more defensive role.
In the evolution of the modern game, wingbacks are the combination of wingers
and fullbacks. As such it is one of the most demanding positions in modern
football. Wingbacks are often more adventurous than full backs and are expected
to provide width, especially in teams without wingers. A wingback needs to be of
exceptional stamina, be able to provide crosses up field and defend effectively
against opponents' attacks down the flanks. A defensive midfielder is usually
fielded to cover the advances of wingbacks
Midfielders
A midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking
strikers and the defenders. Their main functions are to dispossess (tackle) the
opposing team, to retain possession of the ball, and to feed it to the strikers, and
perhaps, to score as well. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while
others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of
midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's
formation and each individual player's role. The group of midfielders in a team is
called the midfield.
More complete midfielders require a number of skills on top of fitness: they
tackle, dribble, shoot and pass during any match. Most managers field at least
one central midfielder with a marked task of breaking up opposition's attacks
while the rest are more adept to creating goals or have equal responsibilities
between attack and defense. At either side of the pitch a manager can field a
right or left midfielder, who is used equally for both attack and defense, or a
winger, a more attacking player used primarily for attack.
In essence, a good midfield must possess the ability to be combative whilst also
being creative. A good striker without midfield support could lack attacking
chances, while a defense likewise could be severely tested. Because they
occupy the most influential parts of the pitch, midfielders are perhaps more likely
to influence the outcome of a match than other positions, especially if they have
vision for a good pass or ability to score.
Midfielders typically expend the most energy during a match because of the
distance they cover on a pitch, as at times they can be called back into defense,
or required to attack with the strikers.
Center Midfielder (CM)
Central midfielders play several roles on the field of play, depending on their
particular strengths and the tactics of the team. They are the link between
defense and attack, and must also defend when the opposition is in possession.
Their central position enables them to have an all-round view of the match, and
as most of the action takes place in and around their area of the pitch,
midfielders often exert the greatest degree of control over how a match is played.
Most center midfielders are capable of playing from "box to box" and, as the
norm rather than the exception, use their strength, their passing ability, and their
work rate to affect their team's game play.
Defensive Midfielder (DM)
A defensive midfielder or holding midfielder is a central midfielder who is
stationed in front of the back defenders for defensive reasons, thus "holding
back" the freedom of the opponents to attack. This specialist midfielder's
responsibilities are to tackle the ball away from the opposing team's attackers
and midfielders and to safely distribute it to more attacking-minded players. Not
only do the players protect their team's defense, they also give their fellow
midfielders a license to play with more attacking flair without the worry of
defensive work.
Some defensive midfielders are called deep-lying playmakers, due to their ability
to dictate tempo from a deep position with their passing. Most often, due to their
lack of defensive abilities, they have to be supported by a more defensive holding
midfielder. Claude Makélélé is perhaps one of the most notable defensive
midfielders, with his deep-lying defensive style labeled the "Makélélé Role".
Attacking Midfielder (AM)
Strong, flexible midfield play is essential to all successful teams. Here, English
midfielder Alan Mullery scores on a spectacular 'one-two' pass against Germany
in the 1970 World Cup. Mullery also defended against Pelé with some
effectiveness during the Brazil - England encounter. The high-scoring Brazilian
side was held to one goal. An attacking midfielder is a central midfielder who is
stationed in an advanced midfield position, usually behind the strikers. These
players typically serve as the offensive pivot of the team, and are sometimes said
to be "playing in the hole", although this term can also be used to describe the
positioning of deep-lying center-forwards. This specialist midfielder's main role is
to create goal-scoring opportunities using superior vision and skill. The attacking
midfielder is an important position that requires the player to possess superior
technical abilities in terms of passing and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to
read the opposing defense in order to deliver defense-splitting passes to the
strikers.
Attacking midfielders are playmakers, known for their deft touch, ability to shoot
from range, and passing prowess. Where an attacking midfielder is regularly
utilized, he or she is commonly the team's star player. As such, a team is often
constructed so as to allow their attacking midfielder to roam free and create as
the situation demands. One such popular formation is the 4-4-2 "diamond", in
which defined attacking and defensive midfielders replace the more traditional
pair of central midfielders.
Winger (RW/LW) or Wide Midfielder (LM/RM)
A winger or wide midfielder is an attacking midfielder who is stationed in a wide
position effectively hugging the touchline. Wingers used to be classified as
forwards in traditional W-shaped formations, but as tactics evolved over the last
30 years, wingers have dropped to deeper field positions. Modern wingers are
now usually classified as part of the midfield; usually in 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formations
(although a more attacking version of the 4-5-1 formation - 4-3-3 - gives the
wingers a more traditional 'wide striker' role). Wingers often aim to beat opposing
fullbacks by dribbling around them and to deliver cut-backs and crosses from
wide positions. They are usually some of the most technically gifted players in
the team and usually have very good dribbling skills as well as good pace.
Years ago, wingers were more highly prized, but their importance has dwindled
throughout the years. In the 1966 World Cup for example, England manager Alf
Ramsey led a team without natural wingers to the championship. This was
unusual enough at the time for the team to be nicknamed "The Wingless
Wonders".
Forwards/Strikers
Forwards, also known as attackers and strikers, are the players on a team in the
row nearest to the opposing team's goal, who are therefore principally
responsible for scoring goals. This very advanced position and its limited
defensive responsibilities mean forwards normally score more goals than other
players; accordingly, they are often among the best-known and most expensive
players in their teams.
Modern team formations usually include one to three forwards; two is most
common. Coaches typically field one striker who plays in an advanced position,
and another attacking forward who plays somewhat deeper and assists in
making goals as well as scoring.
The former is often a tall player, typically known as a target man, who is used to
win long balls or receive passes and "hold up" the ball as team-mates advance,
to help team-mates score by providing a pass ('through ball' into the box), or to
score himself; the latter variation usually requiring quicker pace. Some forwards
operate on the wings of the field and work their way goal ward.
Center Forward or Striker
The center forward, or an "out-and-out" striker, is normally the principal goal-
scorer of a football team. Center forwards act predominantly as the focal point of
an attack; it is the duty of the midfield to supply and to assist them to score. The
name "center forward" comes from the old 2-3-5 formation, where teams played
five attackers: two outside forwards, two inside forwards and one center forward.
Formations developed to (often) include two central forwards, or "strikers", with
the outside forwards becoming "wingers".
Some strikers are goal poachers who tend to stay forward at all times and work
in and around the penalty area to snatch goals, and are sometimes referred to
proverbially as a "fox in the box". These players are known for their positional
sense, excellent reflexes and finishing ability.
Others may rely on their pace to latch on balls from outside the six-yard area,
playing 'over the shoulder' of the last defender and trying to beat the offside trap.
Some rely on their technical skills to create their own goal scoring opportunities,
displaying excellent close control and dribbling ability to pierce through
opposition defenses.
Another type are known as "target men" and are usually of above-average
height, with good heading ability. They hold the ball up and bring other players
into the game, using their body strength to shield the ball while turning to score,
and often scoring with the head from crosses. A target man might be asked to
play without a strike partner, as a lone forward. Due to their aerial ability, these
players are also often called upon to assist the defense when the opposition has
a corner or a free-kick in an advanced position.
A top striker may have the attributes to perform more than one of these roles.
Second Striker
A striker scoring a goal deep-lying forwards have a long history in the game, but
the terminology to describe them has varied over the years. Originally such
players were termed inside forwards, or deep-lying center forwards. More
recently, two more variations of this old type of player have developed: the
second or support or auxiliary striker and, in what is arguably a distinct position
unto its own, being neither midfield nor attack, the Number 10, or playmaker, an
advanced as opposed to a deep-lying playmaker.
The second striker position is a loosely-defined and often misapplied one
somewhere between the out-and-out strikers, whether he is a target-man or more
of a poacher, and the Number 10 or Trequartista, while possibly showing some of
the characteristics of both. In fact, a coined term, the "nine-and-a-half", has been
an attempt to define the position. Conceivably, a Number 10 can alternate as a
second-striker provided that he is also a prolific goal scorer; otherwise a striker
(such as Del Piero or Raúl) who can both score and create opportunities for a
less versatile center forward is more suited. A second- or support-striker does not
tend to get as involved in the orchestration of attacks, nor bring as many other
players into play as the Number 10 since they do not have the range of vision, or
the burden of responsibility that the latter, around which the team's game is built,
possess. Accordingly, neither do they have as much responsibility for inventing
the game.
Successful attacks require the collaboration of many strikers, and goals can be
made from the flanks or from the center, all in one movement. In the diagram
shown, some of the most successful strikers of the 20th century help to create a
goal for a midfielder. Skilful combined play will see a center-forward switch to a
supporting role as the situation demands.
Winger
A winger is an attacking player who is stationed in a wide position near the
touchlines. They can be classified as forwards, considering their origin as the old
"outside-forward" position, and continue to be termed as such in most parts of
the world, especially in Latin and Dutch football cultures. However, in the Anglo-
Saxon world, they are usually counted as part of the midfield.
While the wing specialist position receives less emphasis in contemporary
football, attacks from the flanks are a potent part of any offense. It is a winger's
duty to beat opposing fullbacks, deliver cut-backs or crosses from wide positions
and, to a lesser extent, to beat defenders and score from close range they are
usually some of the quickest players in the team and usually have good dribbling
skills as well. In their Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese usage, the defensive duties
of the winger have been usually confined to pressing the opposition fullbacks
when they have the ball. Otherwise, a winger will drop closer to the midfield to
make himself available, should his team win back the ball.
In British and other northern European styles of football, the wide-midfielder is
expected to track back all the way to his own corner flag should his full-back
require help, as well as tucking into the midfield when the more central players
are trying to pressure the opposition for the ball, a huge responsibility for attack-
orientated players, and particularly those like Joaquin (winger/wide midfielder) or
Leo Messi (winger/second-striker) that lack the physical attributes of a wing-back
or of a more orthodox midfield player. As these players grow older and lose their
natural pace, they are frequently redeployed as Number 10s between the
midfield and the forward line, where their innate ball control and improved
reading of the game in the final third can serve to improve their teams' attacking
options in tight spaces.
Soccer Formations
Leaning different soccer formations and how you should play those positions is
vital to becoming a professional soccer player. Below is a wealth of knowledge
on the different formations and how different positions react in those formations.
The 4-4-2
4-4-2 strengths
• Team consists of two equally balanced vertical halves of field;
• Four midfield players receive the ball facing forward;
• Allows for two players in each central channel;
• More space for the two strikers;
• Easy to change point of attack;
• Eight defenders behind the ball;
• Difficult to unbalance;
• A good high-pressing system.
4-4-2 weaknesses
• Numbers down in midfield against a 3-5-2;
• How to match up against two forwards?
• Susceptible to counterattack if midfield balance is lost;
• Forwards can get isolated.
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 fulfill the role of sweeper. Generally you will
use one of your sweepers as strictly a man marker. You pick the opposing team’s
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 center 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 defense 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 in 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 there 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.
The 4-3-3
4-3-3/3-4-3 strengths
• Front line positioned to attack when ball is won;
• Three targets rather than two;
• Easier to attack critical spaces;
• Width in attack is assured;
• Allows for pressure closer to opponent’s goal;
• Puts tremendous pressure on a weak opponent;
• Forces your opponent to adjust.
4-3-3/3-4-3 weaknesses
• Three front players can be played out of the game immediately;
• Three players with back to goal;
• Can easily be outnumbered in midfield;
• Defends with only seven players.
The 4-3-3 consists of four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and a
goalie (goalies are not counted for in the 4-3-3 equation). At one time this
formation was the dominant style of play for teams at all levels. Currently it is a
formation that is being used for younger groups of athletes just starting to play
the game. It is the easiest and least complex formation to learn, understand and
play within. Lately, due to the lack of scoring in American soccer this formation is
making a slight come back in higher ranks, yet still plays second fiddle to the very
popular 4-4-2, which will be explained later.
DEFENDERS of the 4-3-3 formation consist of four athletes. The defensive
positions consist of a left and right fullback, a sweeper and a stopper. The left
and right fullbacks play in front of the goalie and behind the midfielders on their
respective sides of the field. The sweeper plays in the middle of the field and is
the very last defender. The only player behind him is the goalie, so this player
needs to be very reliable. The stopper also plays in the middle of the field.
He/she is positioned approximately 10 yards in front of the sweeper. Set up
correctly these four
players should form a diamond shape.
Left and Right Fullback Responsibilities- These two positions are probably the
most varied positions in the game when it comes to skill level. What I mean by
that is, at young ages (5-12) these players should focus mainly on defending
their side of the field, and clearing the ball when necessary. They are responsible
for sending balls long into space for the forwards to run onto as well as looking to
play the ball into the feet of open midfielders. Speed is not all that essential for
outside fullbacks at a young age. Now as the level of play increases (ages 13
through college) the outside fullbacks become much more then just defensive
players. These outside fullbacks become essential members of the offence
making runs up the sideline, at appropriate times, and looking for crossed balls
for scoring opportunities. They can also carry the ball down the sideline and look
to get crosses in themselves. In this case it is very important to have speedy
outside fullbacks. They must be able to get up and down the field very quickly in
case of a counter attack. It is very important that outside fullbacks do not get
carried away with the amount of offensive runs. They must judge the opportunity
and only go on the occasions they feel will actually result in them touching the
ball or taking a shot. If an outside fullback makes to many unproductive runs,
they run the chance of getting tired and not being able to get back and defend
their goal, like their job description indicates.
Sweeper Responsibilities - The sweeper position is one of the most crucial
positions on the field and should be manned accordingly. A sweeper needs to be
smart, fast, skilled and very comfortable with his/her ability. Because they are the
last line of defense they very rarely make offensive type runs. Their job is to
control the back. They are the leader of the other three defenders and it is their
job to back the other three up at all times. If the opposing team is coming down
the right side of the field the sweeper needs to be ready and able to back up his
right fullback if he/she gets beat. The sweeper needs to do it all. He/she must be
able to clear the ball, send the ball to open space for the forwards (generally
aiming for the corner flags), clear balls out with his/her head, control the other
defenders, stop breakaways from happening as well as work with the goalie in
setting up defensive situations such as corner kicks, free kicks etc. The sweeper
is an extremely important player.
Midfielders of the 4-3-3 consist of three players, a right midfielder, left midfielder
and a center midfielder. These three players are generally the nucleus of your
team. They are always in the middle of things and more often then not create
most of teams scoring opportunities. Midfielders must be able to play great
defense as well as offence. These players must be versatile and very athletic.
Outside Midfielders - The left and right midfielders should be the fittest players
on the team. They will be asked to do an awesome amount of running during the
course of a game. They must support the forward in front of them and
compliment the defender behind them to be successful. These two players are
often the ones who cross the ball in and around the goal. They must have strong
legs and be very unselfish when it comes to scoring. They should not be shooting
too much from their corners of the field. If they do wander into the middle of the
field then they should be ready to shoot, but in most cases they will be running
up and down the sideline hitting crosses in for the forwards to convert into goals.
Center Midfielder - The center midfielder should be the most talented player on
the field as well as the athlete with the hardest work ethic. Everything should
essentially work through him and his presence must be known by all. He is
responsible for switching the field of play from side to side, setting up forwards
for shots, winning all 50/50 balls, playing great defence, shooting from distance
and basically playing the role of “player coach” while on the field. He/she must be
a very vocal leader and instructor. The center midfielder has an advantage over
every other player on his team, that being he is closer to every other player than
anyone else. He/she can turn 360 degrees and should always have someone
within 10 -15 yards away to pass to. They also have the opportunity to play the
long ball into space for on-running forwards. This position is the most crucial and
should be looked upon as so.
Forwards for a 4-3-3 formation consist of 3 athletes. They are very similar to the
midfielders in that they play straight across the field in a right forward, center
forward, left forward fashion. There is a grave misconception about the forward
position. Many believe that you are only an effective forward if you can score
goals. Scoring goals is obviously an incredible attribute but a forward who sets
goals up and collects assists is also very valuable. Some of the greatest forwards
in the world are the ones who set big time goal scores up for all of their goals.
That behind the scenes forward is important.
Outside Forwards - These two forwards should always be looking to score.
Their first thought should be shot, but their second thought should always be, is
there a better way. These forwards are often the ones setting plays up. Often
times the angles on goal that these players run into don’t equate into quality
shots. Because of this they simply pass the ball towards the middle and allow the
center forward to finish the job. These players should be good dribblers, and
have at least one solid move that they can use to beat defenders. Speed is a
nice attribute to outside forward, but good skills can replace speed sometimes.
Center Forward - This player should be the team’s best shooter. The center
forward will be, or at least in theory, should be shooting the ball more times than
anyone else on the team. This player should be fast and crafty with the ball.
His/Her small ball skills should be excellent. They should be able to dribble and
control the ball very close to their bodies and work well in tight places. More often
than not, when coaching a team you will notice a player who just seems to have
a knack for the goal. That is the player you want to play at center forward.
He/She should be the most selfish player on the field. This doesn’t mean that
they never pass the ball, but it does mean, when they have a mediocre shot, they
take it. All other players should (most of the time) pass off mediocre shots but the
center forward should always take the chance and use his/her abilities to the
fullest.
The 3-5-2
3-5-2 strengths
• Creates ability to balance in central midfield (composition);
• Numerical advantage in midfield;
• Immediate support for strikers;
• Easier to spring flank midfield players during change in point of attack;
• Effective against teams that play an indirect style;
• Allows for assignments for man-marking;
• Use of holding midfield player eliminates fear of counterattack.
3-5-2 weaknesses
• Concedes a tremendous amount of space on flanks;
• Difficult to high-pressure from the alignment;
• Difficult to prevent opponents from building out of the back;
• Fewer numbers in the back leads to cover and balance problems.
The most recent formation to pop on the scene is that of the 3-5-2. This formation
is often used by higher levels of competitors such as collegiate or professional
teams. To be successful with this formation you must have exactly the right
amount of talent. Because the talent is so precise to fit this formation, youth
teams who randomly select members, often don’t have the luxury and talent to
use this formation.
DEFENDERS in the 3-5-2 formation consist of three athletes: a left fullback, right
fullback and a sweeper (or center fullback). These three defenders must stay
tightly together, no more than 10-25 yards apart from eachother at all times. They
form a slight triangle in shape with the sweeper nearest his own goal. That
means, from left fullback to right fullback the distance should be no more than 50
yards. These three fullbacks must work together, sliding back and forth across
the field supporting each other and making sure that all attackers are accounted
for. Generally, the two outside fullbacks will mark the two opposing forwards
“man to man” all game long, leaving the sweeper free to help out whenever
necessary. Because there are only three defenders, they are much less likely to
make offensive runs. Only if they are absolutely sure that they will score or assist
in a goal should they make an offensive run and leave the man their marking.
Again, this defensive strategy is only for the most skilled of teams and very
confident defenders.
MIDFIELDERS in the 3-5-2 formation consist of five athletes. This formation
allows for three central midfielders and two outside midfielders. Again, skill level
comes into play here. This type of formation can not be run by a team unless the
skill level is excellent. With three players in the middle it is critical that they all
have tight ball skills as well as communication skills. They must all work together
in attacking, defending, maintaining possession, winning 50/50 ball and
controlling the overall pace of the game. These 5 midfielders can be murder on
the opposing team if skilled, but they can also ruin a teams chemistry and ability
if not properly trained. It takes a very special group of individuals to create a
successful 5 person midfield.
FORWARDS in the 3-5-2 formation consist of 2 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 there are only two of them up there they have to pick up some
of the slack for the missing third forward. With the additional, fifth player, in the
midfield the forwards receive a little bit more help then they would from the 4-4-2
formation but still need to work together to produce.
The 3-5-2 formation is definitely not for everyone. In fact it is not for the majority.
It is good however to be familiar with it. Picking a formation is simply up to the
coaching staff. You want to pick the system that will best exploit your talents and
support your less talented individuals. Keep an open mind though when picking
formations and don’t be afraid to try something totally new and unorthodox
because who knows it could be the best formation yet.
The 3-4-3
3-4-3 strengths
• Front line positioned to attack when ball is won;
• Three targets rather than two;
• Easier to attack critical spaces;
• Width in attack is assured;
• Allows for pressure closer to opponent’s goal;
• Puts tremendous pressure on a weak opponent;
• Forces your opponent to adjust.
3-4-3 weaknesses
• Three front players can be played out of the game immediately;
• Three players with back to goal;
• Can easily be outnumbered in midfield;
• Defends with only seven players.
The 3-4-3 is an ultra offensive soccer formation. With three strikers and four
midfielders your team will be able to win the midfield war and also play well in
offense. However, this formation is not an option if your team likes to play
defensive soccer. In that case, the 4-4-2 is a much better choice as your team
will get a well balanced defense with a solid offensive tactic.
So what are the strengths of the 3-4-3 formation? Well, as already mentioned this
formation has 3 strikers which mean that your team will have great capabilities in
offensive. This formation has also a strong midfield which is equal to a 4-4-2
formation (the most common formation used in soccer).
The main weakness of this formation is that your team will play with 3 defenders
which will create holes in your team’s defense. In order to help your defenders,
all of your midfielders need to put big effort in the defense work. However, this
will require a lot of energy and that’s why your midfielders need to pose good
fitness abilities. Simply, without good fitness your team should not choose to play
with this formation.
I personally like the 3-4-3 because it is a great weapon against defensive teams.
Such teams tend to have 8 players near their 18 yard box and 2 fast strikers at
the top. As soon as they regain possession of the ball they cross the ball behind
your defense line.
While the ball is in the air their strikers will run after it and force your defenders to
chase them. However, a smart team will generally have 1-2 midfielders that have
good conditioning abilities and that are able to help their defenders with stopping
the strikers from scoring.
While it may sound like a pretty boring task to help your defenders I can ensure
you that it is pretty fun when you get used to it. You will also have the ball much
more at your feet as your defenders will often pass it to you when they regain
possession of it.
It is therefore important to pose good ball handling skills as you will be the one
that starts the offensive attacks. Also, keep in mind to always pass the ball safely
while you are on your own half. If you lose the ball to an opponent you will cause
your defense big problems.
The 4-5-1
4 defenders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and
outside right. The most recent idea is to have them lined up in a banana shape
with the middle of the curve closest to the goalkeeper and the outside defenders,
the points, slightly ahead but behind the midfielders. Some considered the flat
back option but this means much more communication from the captain of the
defense usually one of the insiders.
The general idea is to have the two defenders attend to the attack coming in from
their side. This format requires a high degree of verbal communication in addition
to sight and hand gestures.
With both of these options the opposite outside tucks in a little to mark the center
of the field covering the goal and any incoming additional attacking opponents.
When the team has possession the defenders would then play wide to stretch out
the other team’s attackers. This is also known as playing it around the back.
Sometimes the defenders can be lined up in a diamond shape. This is to utilize
the last player back as a "sweeper" who clears the ball up the field and out to the
other defenders and mid fielders. This player is in constant communication with
the goalkeeper and relays the message to the other defenders. This is because
the goalkeepers can see the complete field from their vantage point.
At times and in some cases too often this central defender will by-pass the
midfield and plays it up to the forwards. I say too often because this usually has
the forwards out numbered by the opposing defenders.. However there are a few
"power forwards" who could handle this situation, but most are unable too.
It does create a certain amount of excitement with this surprise attacking option.
The defender at the top of the diamond is considered the "stopper" whose duty is
to challenge any attack or attacking play. They usually play from side to side
rather than up and down the field. This defender is involved in shutting down any
play and play making. These players really read the game well. They need to, or
they would be doing all the running as the ball is in constant motion.
5 Midfielders
Two outside/wing players who dominate the flanks of the field. They also act as
attackers creating many scoring opportunities for their teams. These are hard
working players and a usually super-fit. However sometimes after a few runs on
the side these can switch with inside players for a rest. If this is possible, the
team can keep their opponents confused and always looking for changing plays
and positions. This type of positional play can not be defended by a man-on-man
team defense. This requires a good zone defense and a constantly
communicative team. The 2 inside players are usually defensive in their roles but
will become part of the attack when their team has possession. They will
generally use the central midfielder to create plays and control the tempo of the
game.
1 Forward
This team is usually confident of their lone striker. The striker in this formation
actually acts as a "post-up" player. This means that this striker at times plays with
the opposing defense at his/her back. This player will try and stretch the defense,
will receive the ball to lay it back to the oncoming team-mates to close the
ground/space that this striker has created. The cycle continues until a good
scoring opportunity has been formulated.
Occasionally this striker will turn and attack the goal when the timing is right.
This is usually communicated to the strikers by their team-mates.
However a great striker will sense these situations based on the run of play and
the opportunities that this striker has created.
The 3-6-1
The 3-6-1 formation is pretty common among German teams. However, there are
many examples on when this formation didn’t improved so well. One of the most
well known examples is the U.S national team that adapted it during the 1998
World Cup and failed miserably.
The U.S national team was usually playing with the 4-4-2 but the coach
(Sampson) changed it to the 3-6-1 only two months before the first game in WC
98. The U.S team produced only one goal in three games and their adventure
was over.
The idea behind this formation is to clog up your opponents in midfield and to
pounce with counterattacks. Your opponent’s defense will also get confused
about which and how many players your team will put in offense attacks.
However, this formation requires great stamina in order to keep coming forward
in waves. It can be a good idea to use it during rainy and cold days. However, if
the day is pretty warm this formation can be totally unsuccessful.
One thing you need to react on as a player is that a coach should not change
your team’s formation to often during a soccer game. This is pretty important for
young or new to soccer players who could get totally confused. So if your coach
is experimenting with many different formations during a game tell him that it is
better to stick to a one general formation (for example 4-4-2) then experimenting
too much.
However, you should be aware of that a coach doesn’t like to get directions from
players as he believes that his decisions are the right ones. Don’t either tell your
coach how the team should play because any coach with little self-esteem will
reject your proposal.
It is pretty fun to play in offense while adapting the 3-6-1 formation. However, you
will have more responsibility in defense and you really need to take that task
seriously. Your team will have a big advantage on the midfield but you will also
need to move higher upon the field in order to create goal scoring chances.
The reason for this is that your team will only play with one striker and without
your help he will not come any far. As already mentioned, this formation can be
pretty successful if adapted correctly. However, it can also end with a
catastrophe if you and your teammates are not prepared to work hard.
The 3-4-2-1
Strength :
Just like 3-4-3 formation, 3-4-2-1 formation have a lot of striker, so its have very
good offensive capabilities. Not like 4-3-3 formation 3-4-2-1 formation has winger
to guard your side line and support your strikers. 3-4-2-1 formations have equal
capabilities in midfield battle compare to 4-4-2 formation.
Weakness :
Because 3-4-2-1 formation only has 3 defenders it’s rather weak in defend. To
help your defenders, all of your midfielder have to be active in defense, and
because of that they will spend a lot of energy.
The 3-4-2-1 is rarely used in soccer today. It is a variant of 3-4-3 formation and is
just like it highly offensive. The formation uses 3 defenders, 4 midfielders, 2
forwards and one striker. So what is the strength of this formation? Well, just like
the 3-4-3, it is possible to use several strikers in the offense.
For example; the two forwards can easily transform into striker and work higher
upon the field. This formation has also wingers that will guard your team’s
sidelines and support your strikers/forwards in offense.
However, the formation has only three defenders which make it vulnerable in
defense. Other negative aspect of this formation is that midfielders need to be
highly active in defense. This requires a lot of energy and as a midfielder you will
need to pose great conditioning abilities.
However, it doesn’t matter how good condition you actually have if you don’t
want to put the extra effort in your defense. Keep in mind that you will have the
ball at your feat approximately 2 minutes per game. This means that you will
need to do something else during the remaining 88 minutes of the game. You
can either choose to stand or to spend that time by helping your team in defense.
This formation is great for beating teams that have a strong midfield but have
lack of strikers (for example 4-4-2 or 3-5-2). As with every other soccer formation
you need to take your task seriously whether you are placed on the flank, top or
in defense. Learning different soccer formations can take you a while especially if
you are new to soccer. However, once you get rid on how things are working it
will be a piece of cake.
The 5-2-2-1
Strength:
Just like 3-4-2-1 formation, 5-2-2-1 formation have a lot of striker, so its have
very good offensive capabilities. Because this formation have 5 defender, it’s
obvious that this formation have better defensive capabilities than 3-4-2-2-1 one.
Weakness:
By replacing both of your winger with LWB and RWB, you will lose more midfield
battle. This mean both of your central midfielder should work harder, and
sometimes your strikers should reinforce your midfield area and decrease
probability of a successful counter attack.
The 5-2-2-1 is a defensive form of the 3-4-2-1 formation. Many teams like to use
the 3-4-2-1 as the formation in offensive and then change to five-two-two-one
while switching to defense. So what are the strengths of this formation? Well, just
like the 3-4-2-1 this formation has 3 strikers and is very efficient in offense.
The formation has also 5 defenders which gives it big advantage in the defense
game. The weakness of this formation is that you don’t have any players on the
flank which will make your team weaker on the midfield.
While playing with this formation it is crucial that your strikers takes their
responsibility and helps your midfield in the defense work. I know by experience
that strikers and forwards tries to avoid everything that has with defense to do.
However, if you are playing as striker or forward you need to realize that every
soccer player has defense duties no matter which position he is playing on. So if
you thought that forwards are completely free from their defense responsibilities
then you need to change your mind.
While this formation can be pretty efficient against weaker teams your team
should consider changing the formation if your opponents have a strong midfield.
The team that wins the midfield game will be the winner of the match.
2-3-5 (The Pyramid)
The first long-term successful formation was first recorded in 1880. However in
"Association Football" published by Caxton in 1960, the following appears in Vol
II, page 432: "Wrexham ... the first winner of the Welsh Cup in 1877 ... for the first
time certainly in Wales and probably in Britain, a team played three half backs
and five forwards ..."
The 2-3-5 was originally known as the Pyramid with the numerical formation
being referenced retrospectively. By the 1890s it was the standard formation in
Britain and had spread all over the world. With some variations it was used by
most top level teams up to the 1940s.
For the first time a balance between attacking and defending was reached. When
defending, the two defenders (fullbacks) would watch out for the opponent's
wingers (the outside players in the attacking line); while the midfielders
(halfbacks) would watch for the other three forwards.
The center halfback had a key role in both helping to organize the team's attack
and marking the opponent's center forward, supposedly one of their most
dangerous players.
List of Formations
The Danubian School 5-3-2
Metodo 5-3-2 with Sweeper or 1-4-3-2
The WM 3-4-3
The WW 3-5-2
3-3-4 3-6-1
4-2-4 4-5-1
4-3-3 4-2-3-1
4-4-2 4-6-0
4-4-2 diamond or 4-1-2-1-2 5-4-1
4-4-1-1 4 Incomplete formations
4-3-2-1 ('Christmas Tree' formation) 5 Future formations
Dribbling Drills
4 Line Dribbling Drill
First start with four groups in four lines with a ball with the first person in lines 1
and 3. See diagram below for the set up
The first player in Line 1 passes to the first player in Line 2 and then sprints to
the back of line 4. At the same time, the first player in Line 3 passes to the first
player in Line 4 and sprints to the back of Line 2. In other words, pass counter
clockwise and sprint clockwise. See diagram below
The emphasis in this drill is in passing not only in the right direction but actually
passing to the correct foot (in this case the pass would always be played to the
right foot). After doing this for a short time, change the direction of the pass and
sprint. Have them pass to the right and then sprint to the left but ending up where
they passed (in other words Line 1 passes to Line 2 but then sprints behind Line
4 and Line 3 to get to the back of Line 2). If you do this, the sprints will have to
be real hard in order to get ready for your next turn.
There can be a lot of variations to the above mentioned drill. You can have the
lines go far apart and have chipping to the lines followed by a sprint. Or have a
player receive the ball, do a move and then play the next ball. The only thing
limiting you in this drill is your imagination.
The next drill works on dribbling and vision and communication. Start with four
lines as set up below with a cone in the middle.
The first player in each line starts with a ball. The first set is for all 4 players to
dribble to the middle cone and then turn and go back. As soon as they get back,
they do a takeover with the next person in line and this keeps on going until each
person has gone a few times. You can work on different turns this way but have
each player doing the same thing.
Next, the first player in each line dribbles to the center cone and then dribbles
around the cone clockwise. If they time this correctly, they will be going around
the cone at the same time as the other 3 dribblers. This will force them to work
on ball control as well as vision and communication (it sometimes is necessary
for someone to ask the others to speed up or slow down) See the diagram below
to show you how this is done
From here, you can do counter clockwise dribbling, takeovers, moves, changing
lines etc.
If you want to combine this series of drills with the first ones, you take this series
and then add another ball at the back of Line 1. While the first person in each
line is doing the dribbling, the last person in Line 1 passes the ball to the Last
person in Line 2 and then sprints behind the last person in Line 4. By doing this,
it keeps everyone busy and concentrating because either they are passing,
dribbling or getting ready for one or the other.
L Shape Cone Drill (Dribbling)
Start with three cones set up in an L shaped formation (see diagram below). The
players work hard for a one minute period and then switch.
Player A starts with the ball at Cone A and then dribbles at Cone B. Right before
getting to Cone B, she should cut the ball with the inside of her foot and
accelerate to Cone C. Right before getting to Cone C, she should pull the ball
back and head back towards Cone B. Right before getting to Cone B, she
should cut the ball with the inside of the opposite foot and head back to Cone A.
In starting with this simple set, the player is working on dribbling, acceleration,
cutting and turning.

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number 10, skill, brave, and healthy then you have

unconsciously made the decision to be an average soccer

player, unskilled, mediocre, and unhealthy.”- Dennis Lee

What you need to know to go from a beginner to the Pros

those who dare to do and dream the impossible!” Dennis Lee

or can it be bought or sold.

It is not a gender favor

or even one country controlled,

less anyone or country should boast,

but it’s a gift

I am a number 10 I will always conduct myself so as to bring honor and respect

to my team and my country and most of all myself.

average skill levels, to try everything in my powers to create an opportunity for

me. So I will teach them how to, with my skills!

when the going gets tough!

I am very proud and honored to be apart of something so great. By representing

a legacy of soccer’s greatest heroes!

comes with soccer!

Study it and keep it near to your heart!

No soccer player is more skill or physically fit than I. I am a Soccer Number 10

I will at all times conduct myself professionally under great pressure, so as to

I am proud to be a soccer number 10.Deep within my heart burns my Divine

“This Divine source it my strength, my courage, my skill, and my hope to give

Discipline and skill are my concentration. My responsibilities as a number 10 will

I know how to deal with defeat and victory!

To be a professional, you need to be an exceptional footballer. There are plenty

world. It is a football variant played on a rectangular grass or artificial turf field,

shootout, depending on the format of the competition.

International Federation of Association Football, commonly known by the

world, boasts an audience twice that of the Summer Olympic Games.

have scored an equal number of goals then the game is a draw.

a pass or through tackling the opponent in possession of the ball. Football is

field of play or when play is stopped by the referee.

it is a youth soccer game.

opponent a goal scoring opportunity. Each team has to have a minimum of 7

prevents attacking players from gaining an unfair advantage as when a pass is

on either side of the field to help judge the offside rule.

last defender line.

another teammate to pick up the ball, and potentially score.

jumping in/at, charging, striking or pushing an opponent. Fouls in soccer are

taken from the spot where the foul occurred.

a red card, if the offence was way over the limits.

aimed at injuring an opposing player, intentionally hitting or stepping on a fallen

opponent. However, a player is also shown a red card if he collects two

keeper's grounds, but rules are rules…).

when a player has a potentially dangerous kick close to an opposing player.

be struck directly towards the goal.

(an injured player, ball becoming defective or the interference of an external

matches decide initial possession)

again until a teammate or opposing player touches it.

edge of the box and gain possession.

the thrower's head.