Soccer Formation - Past & Present

2-3-5 The Ancient Pyramid Formation

The 2-3-5 was originally known as the Pyramid.

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 centre halfback had a key role in both helping to organize the team's attack and marking the opponent's centre forward, supposedly one of their most dangerous players.

The above formation is useless so please disregard them. Haha..

4-2-3-1 The New Age Formation

This formation is widely used by Spanish and French sides: it is a defensive formation which is quite flexible, as both the side midfielders and the fullbacks may join the attack, usually on the counter.

In defence, this formation is similar to the 4-5-1. It is used to maintain possession of the ball and stopping opponent attacks by controlling the midfield area of the field.

The lone striker may be very tall and strong to hold the ball up as his midfielders and fullbacks join him in attack. The striker could also be very fast. In these cases, the opponent's defence will be forced to fall back early, thereby leaving space for the offensive central midfielder. This formation is used especially when a playmaker is to be highlighted.

This formation is also currently used by Brazil as an alternative to the 4-2-4 formation of late 50's to 1970. Implemented similarly to how original 4-2-4 was used back then, use of this formation in this manner is very offensive, creating a 6-man attack and a six-man defence tactical layout. The front 4 attackers are composed as wide forwards and playmaker forward in support of a target striker in front.

Do you think this New Age formation can work for us?

Do we have:

1. The fullbacks to join in the attack? Stamina and tactical sense? Like disciplined jets on standby.
2. Lone tall striker? Holding up ball? Releasing the load on time. Never taking too much time on the ball?
3. Offensive central midfielder? Extremely mobile to link up players. Spreading the play around, easing the tension in highly congested parts of the field? Never shy to take a shot?
4. Two defensive minded midfielders? With extreme tactical knowledge, in order to support the offensive players and protect the defence? Just like the 2 power-packed balls needed behind every high-performing dick.
5. The defence? Two no-nonsense cb. Not vaginas. But solid centre-backs. Always looking to release the ball to the full backs or defensive midfielders. In times of danger, the no-nonsense feature will be activated and loose balls will be cleared sky high( towards our strikers pls).
6. A Goalie? Who’s not shy to screw/command our own defence and midfielders? I feel goalies must have the urge to command players, and not be commanded/instructed/directed by players. Like a father in a family, bringing a sense of security to everyone.
   

It's not possible be like Kakas or Cronaldos on TV, but I think its possible to play effectively in this little world of our own.

Think about this Macro picture that I've painted, then think about your Micro role.

Where do you fit in and HOW do you play your role to fit in?