A quick question - if the ball is in our end, does the forward come back at times to provide a target for

the ball or does he always stay

high along the centre line to provide the long ball option? As well, does he stay in the centre or would he shift side to side depending on
where the ball is? Same questions when he is in the attacking half.

- If the ball is in your defensive third I would have the forward play in front (which is probably at the centre line or thereabouts)
and along the defensive line depending on which side the play is on to be a target for a pass out to keep possession.
- When your defence / midfield gain possession and move the ball into the middle third (your side of the half-way line) the
through ball becomes an option and the passing channels are between the full-backs and centre-backs. This allows the forward
to instinctively move into that open space because they know that is where the ball will be played.
- If you have possession in the attacking half the forward should position himself to receive a pass moving into or already inside
the 18 yard box and then the midfielders should be running off the ball as options or diversions to create a shot on goal.

Playing with one forward can be difficult against a good defence. If the defence closely marks the forward and he cannot hold up the ball
and gain possession in the attacking third the ball will keep coming back. Working on having the midfield support the ball and man
when the ball is passed to the forward will be important.

The system is supposed to be flexible with the central three midfielders providing the support for the wide players and lone striker and
this can result in seeing a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 formation at different times during the game. Flexibility is okay as long as you don’t find
players not reverting back to how you want them to play. See diagram below and what I believe the responsibilities of each player would
be.

5 – Renowned defensive midfielder. Covers whichever area is weak when the opposition transitions into attack and then attempts to
breakdown that attack once adequate player coverage is in place. Has to be disciplined and vocal as the player would direct the other
four (6, 7, 8 and 9) on who needs to get back, pressure the ball and delay the attack. This player should not over commit to the ball, if
they can steal the ball and play it off to another midfielder or forward then that’s good but they cannot afford to get beaten, e.g. Essien,
Carrick.

7 & 8 can be interchangeable in supporting the striker e.g. Fletcher-Scholes, Ballack-Lampart. These two players need to understand
when the ball is lost at least one of them must get back to cover the middle of the field along with 5. They also should be the first
coverage for the wing players 6&9 or fall in behind and support 5 if that player shifts outside to cover the wings. While some teams have
one of these players focused soley on supporting the striker I think it’s better if they can both do that.

6 & 9 provide the width but must understand when the play transitions they need to get back and cover, should be a fairly stable zone
player but would fall into the position of 7 or 8 if they have gone out to the wing to cover.

A half field practice would be the best way to let the five understand their roles.
- Play the 5 + striker in attack against the defence + midfielders to work on options depending on where the play is attacking from with
focus on getting the ball wide or to the striker and then having 7 & 8 running into open spaces to support the play and create goal scoring
chances.
- Make one of the players lose the ball and then have the midfield get back to support 7, 8 and especially 5 who would be delaying the
attack. There should be communication between 6 & 7 and 8 & 9 to get back to the closest area to provide cover. 5 must be the organizer
for transition coverage.
- Do this from both sides of the field so the other side understands shifting into the middle to support the players who have moved to
the outside to cover the open wing.

2 3

1 4
5

6 7 9

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