Tuesday Game - Eleven-a-side Team Formation

Tuesday's game versus Lakehill provides us with our first opportunity to play eleven-a-side on the full sized field. Other then the obvious differences in the size of playing field and extra players, the eleven-a-side game features new positions and concepts. These are loosely captured in the different "formations" you can play. Tuesday we will play a 3-4-3 formation, mostly because it is most easy to understand given our current formation of 1-2-1-2-1 where we employ a sweeper and striker.

For us the major changes will come in the midfield where we add 3 positions, and explanation of these positions and all other positions are shown below. Please take a quick look at this before our game tomorrow.

Goalkeeper

• The last line of defense and first attacker, a goalkeeper that “commands” their penalty area (aka eighteen yard box) is absolutely vital to a 3-4-3 formation. In effect, the goalkeeper (or keeper) “patrol” behind the sweeper, clearing any dangerous balls or through passes that elude the defenders. A rule of thumb is that if you’re closer to the ball than your sweeper or defender, and they’re running toward your goal, it’s your ball – so a quick sprint to catch, gather or kick the ball away is your responsibility.
• Keepers must always stay on their toes, expecting the unexpected and always following the play. “Switching off” is common for keepers, so it’s advised that you continue to talk with your defenders (words of encouragement, telling them where their checks are, etc.) so that you keep involved with the play. Remember you can see the whole field of play – no one else can – so use that advantage to make it better for your team.
• First option for goal kicks is the holding midfielder or one of the defenders. If that is not possible goal kicks should be directed toward the outside half positions – never down the middle of the field where possession is more easily lost.

Defense

• Three defenders are arranged in a shallow triangle formation, with the “sweeper” slightly behind two “marking defenders” in a central or “cover” position.
• The two marking defenders mark the opposition forwards. Typically there are only two because most teams play with a 4-4-2 formation, however if a team plays with three forwards we employ three marking defenders without a sweeper. Marking defenders follow their checks regardless of where there check takes them. Only rarely should a defender leave their check with another team-mate.
• When in possession of the ball or from goal kicks the marking defenders will assume wider positions – otherwise the defenders should play more “compact” and allow the outside-halves to aid in the wider positions.
• Marking defenders are responsible for the majority of throw-ins and many of the free kicks given against the other team (e.g. for off-side). Sweepers should never take throw-ins but should provide an option for the thrower.
• The sweeper must never get caught too far up the field – stopping just before centre when the team is in the attacking third. Sweepers do not mark a player, but should one of the marking defenders lose their check, the sweeper should immediately move toward that opposition player.
• The goalie and defenders should try and play the ball through the holding midfielder who can distribute from there, or to one of the outside-halves.

Midfield

• Four midfield players are arranged in a diamond formation with an outside left, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, and outside right
• The attacking midfielder plays at the top of the diamond, slightly behind the forwards. Their role is to link between the other midfielders and the forwards, moving from side-to-side of the field in support of the ball. The attacking midfielder and holding midfielder should never be caught too far apart or “flat” (i.e. beside each other)
• The defensive midfielder plays at the bottom of the diamond, slightly ahead or above the two marking defenders. In effect they act as a protective shield in front of the defenders – similar to the job the sweeper performs. This position is also known as the “holding midfielder”, namely because this position is key to “holding the shape” of the team.
• The holding midfielder must always present themselves and "show" for the ball, particularly when the defense is moving the ball forward or the forwards are playing the ball back toward their goal. This is all part of an effort to move from defense to attack by maintaining possession, not just booting the ball up-field to relieve pressure.
• The outside players are called wingers or outside-halves and are strongly involved in attacking play. They must also “track back” with their checks to help out the defenders when we are not in possession of the ball. These wingers usually have the bulk of the running to do as they carry the ball from the defending third and into the attacking third. Outside players should rty and stay as wide as possible when their defense or goalie is in control of the ball.

Forwards

• The three forwards consist of a striker, left forward and right forward, with the striker in a slightly more advanced position than the others (i.e. “higher” up the field).
• The centre forward or “striker” is usually the farthest player forward at the top of a diamond consisting of the attacking midfielder, left forward and centre forward. The striker is the “target” for passes and crosses coming in the area in and around the opposition penalty area and should always try and be on the oppositions last defender when we are not in possession of the ball.
• Strikers can and should drop back for the ball in support of keeping possession, but their job is to score goals and that’s best easier done closer to the goal rather than farther away. Defensively the striker should come back to centre field when the team is defending.
• The left and right forwards play closely with the outside halves and attacking midfielder, always providing an option for passes, contesting goal kicks and punts, chasing and harassing the opposition defence. Forwards should never be to close or too far away from the striker so as to give the striker space to receive, pass and turn with the ball (and vice versa).
• When the ball is on the opposite side of the field in the attacking third of the field, forwards should ensure they are closer to the centre of the field than their sideline. This offers more options for the team to retain the ball or even score.

There is a lot of information here and I know it might all be a tad overwhelming, but don't worry - there is no written exam! Instead we will learn by doing, which is usually the best and fastest way to learn anyways.