4-3-3 Formation.

This formation is the most flexible one. Harbinger of quick counter attacks and high
pressing play, it utilizes 4 defenders, where the FBs act as WBs, very prone to attack. 3
midfielders that plays in triangles, constantly rotating to provide support to the wings
and 3 forwards overloading the opponents defense. Everyone moves as a unit,
stretching and contracting the passage of play.

The engine of the team is the no6 and no10. No6 plays up front in between the CDs, it
acts as the pivot for the midfield. Its main purpose is to link the CDs to the CMs or the
WBs and most often the WF. In other words they initiate the build up, provide support
to the defenders and creates defense piercing passes to the forwards.

No10 often rotate duties with the no6, in losing its marker or to initiate a quick counter
attack. The no10 is also an attacking playmaker, creating chances for the forwards and
even breaking through the line of defense, they often make power shots when needed.
The no10 plays off shoulder with a no8. They often mirror or complement each other.
But they must both press the opposition up high, force them to commit mistakes or
conceive the ball. Sometime they may cover a WB or rotate with a WF, these 3 players
make the heart of the team.

The FBs who most often acts as WBs provide support and width for the team, they
sometime overlaps the WFs and provide offensive crosses. They must also be able to
quickly back track when needed.

The WFs, no7 and no11 are always on the offensive, they provide width but often makes
inside runs to get behind the defenders while beating the offside trap. They are lighting
quick, deadly accurate and are great assists for the CF. The no7 is a offensive winger
playmaker that plays high, while the no11 may sit back in the midfield acting as a CM
when needed.

The no9, is the CF. He is often linking play with the WFs or the CMs. Opening the defense
with his quick run or rotating with the WFs. These runs and passage of play confuses the
defense and provide offensive options. He should be very quick and strong in air,
difficult to knock down. He sometime press the opposition when not in possession but
should always stay deep in the oppositions half.

The 4-3-3 is such a fluid system that it can transform into a 4-4-2 when needed. The no7
join the no9 up front. While the no11 drops back to WM, either the WB or the no10 run
wide. In dispersal mode, it can become a 2-1-4-3, the two WBs goes high to assist the
wingers. One of the midfield acts as a number 6 playing in front the 2 CBs. The game is
stretched wider. The two CMs play off shoulder. The initial pass is played to the CDs who
open wide, while the number 6 covers the center. The game is stretched to either side of
the pitch (where the ball is being played). The build up play is between the CD, WB, WM,
CM and the no6, and if possible to the no9.

Recycle play happen between the CDs and the WBs until the right moment to play
forward. The no6 can be used to switch the point of build up and add more options.
The whole team progress as a unit as the ball is being cycle. The no 6 can switch role
with on of the CM if he is being marked. This move should be used as a quick forward
build up play.

The CMs and the no6 should play as a triangle. No6 initiate the build up and the CMs
should follow through. If the no6 cannot play forward, the CDs should play higher
around the no6, forming a 5-2-3 / 3-4-3. This being, a consolidation phase.

This formation will trigger the wingers to move inside while the WBs will move forward.
The CM will cover the WBs. These three players will move and act as a triangle, rotating.
While rotating, the players may switch the play to the other side. The formation should
read 4-1-4-1 / 4-1-5.

While this is achieved, incision phase (runs or passes that break the defense)
commences. The final high form should be a 4-2-4. The CF, the no7 and the WBs joining
the attack, while the CM and the no11 provide stability and the rest closing the
opponents half. If high pressure comes, revert back to consolidation, and from that to
build up.

Key themes:
Possession, patience, penetration, rotation and insight.

4 Phases:
Build up, Consolidation, Incision and finish.

Attack pattern; CF, CM, WF. (fast play, wide or compact, 1up and 2 back, 2up and 1back)

Pattern 1,
no6 plays to no7 / no11 while one of the CM provide assists.
The other CMs press high, while the WF and CF tries to keep it flat with the no7.

Pattern 2
CF provide support / options for no7, playing one - two.

Pattern 3
CF, CM and no7 plays in triangle.