A FORMATION (4-4-2) is a short hand code, which describes the framework within which a coach will base his playing tactics. It is also used by the coach to define the primary role of each player in the chosen formation. Therefore, in 4-4-2 there will be four players with PRIMARY roles as defenders, four with PRIMARY roles as midfielders and two with PRIMARY roles as attackers.

Within this framework the coach will take into account the strengths and weaknesses of his individual players and refine his tactical approach. 4-4-2 of itself is not a tactical plan but merely a skeleton on which a tactical plan can be developed to fully utilise the strengths of the players.

There are many ways in which a formation can be developed. In 4-4-2, one midfielder might be deployed more defensively as a sweeper in front of the back defenders and so provide security for the other three or two midfielders with a central defensive shield.

The two strikers may line up in tandem or with one central and the other given a roving commission. Much will depend on the abilities of the individual players and the personality of the coach. Is he cautious and defensive or adventurous and attack minded? A modern example of the latter is Kevin Keegan, but perhaps as an ex striker his defensive know how is limited.

It is possible then for one team using 4-4-2 as its base system to be defensive and another to be offensive. Prime examples are Liverpool and Manchester United. Liverpool prefer to defend deep in their own half knowing that they have a striker in Owen and midfield runners in Gerrard and Riise whose strengths are in counter attacking. On the other hand, United prefer to press forward from the strength of their midfield ball winners in Keane, Scholes and/or Butt with Beckham and Giggs providing width through which goal opportunities are created. Beckham’s passing/crossing skills and Giggs more direct dribbling approach provide a variety of attacking options. It should also be noted that the TEMPO of play of these two teams is vastly different because of the tactical approach chosen by the coach/manager. Nonetheless, both teams are described as playing a 4-4-2 formation and it is undeniable that they have different tactical approaches based on the strengths of the players.

The SHAPE of a team is not dependent on either the chosen formation or the strengths and weaknesses of players. Shape changes as a result of (i) ball possession and (ii) the area of the field being defended or attacked. A team’s shape expands in attack and contracts on defence. If the ball is lost in the attacking third an attacker may become a first defender regardless of his PRIMARY role and position in the base formation. Similarly, if the ball is won in the defensive third, a centerback might take up a wider position to support the ball winner and commence an attack. Shape is DYNAMIC and relies on players understanding where to be in relation to the ball, opponents and team mates irrespective of their PRIMARY role in a given system (4-4-2). Thus if an overlapping right back is stranded up field and the ball is played into his untended zone, others must react to the need for a first and second defender. It might be the two centerbacks who have to re-act, in which case others must now take up the vacated central positions (third defenders). Shape, then, is not only dynamic but requires chain re-action support throughout a team rather than strict adherence to positions.

Shape is founded on the concepts of Depth, Width, Mobility, Penetration, Balance and Concentration. The whole or overall shape (the expansion and contraction) is determined by the continuous changing of ball possession. The internal workings of shape might be referred to as the MECHANICS OF PLAY.

The MECHANICS in defence are rooted in the 1,2,3 defender method. The MECHANICS in attack are based on efficient passing, dribbling and support running.

Young players have difficulty maintaining shape because the mechanics of ball possession fail frequently. Changing Shape every few seconds is difficult if not impossible. It is only when the mechanics have been mastered that a team can maintain an effective shape for long periods during a game. This leads inexorably to the conclusion that the coaching of young players should concentrate on what I have described as THE MECHANICS OF PLAY.

The internal workings are the small-sided games that occur in eleven-aside play close to the ball. The wall pass, the set up pass, closing down and covering. Mastery of the mechanics in small sided games will EVENTUALLY lead to a better team shape than will focusing on fixed positions during the early years of development.

Editor’s Footnote: Thanks, Keith. I particularly like the message in the final paragraph. This is something that needs to be emphasised with club executives and team coaches at the club level.