Formation 1-2-4-2

The 1-2-4-2 system first defines only the number of players in each section of the team. The individual team sections are given as lines. The first line is the goalkeeper. The second line is the two-player back line, the third line is the two midfielders in the half-spaces and the two wide forwards/wide midfielders, and the fourth line is the two strikers. When the team has possession, the goalkeeper moves between his goal and the centre of his own half, maintaining a distance of approx. 10-20 metres to the back line, always available as a sort of sweeper and able to intercept long balls over the defence. The field players should use the full width and depth of the field when in possession. The objective is to build up play from the back through the goalkeeper or the two centre backs via long balls to the strikers, short passes to the midfielders, or diagonal balls through the flanks, and create success through these positions via passing into the centre or the back area, overlapping, speed dribbling, 1 vs. 1 attacking actions, and shots on goal. Depending on the situation, one of the defenders can join the attacking play. Another option is to channel play through the two midfielders in the half-spaces and create goals through one-twos, switches of play, through balls to the strikers or to the flank, successful dribbles using feints, or long-range shots. In this system, play involves two centre backs, two midfielders in the half-spaces, two wide forwards/wide midfielders, and two strikers. When in possession, the staggering with four attacking players, the two attack-minded midfielders in the half-spaces, and situationally one attack-minded defender provides an increased number of passing options near the danger zone. When the opponent has possession, the team moves into a defensive unit and compresses. The two wide forwards drop back into midfield. The defensive formation is characterised by a line positioning of the individual team sections. The two defenders are the deepest field players, the two wide forwards and the two midfielders in the half-spaces stand on one line, and the two strikers also form a defensive line. This creates three defensive lines. Certain distances must be maintained to ensure optimal defence of the goal. These distances are typically: 5-10 metres in width and 5-10 metres in depth. The distances between individual players and team sections may vary due to inconsistent tempo, changes in the game situation, or temporary numerical disadvantage. As a team unit, compact, disciplined shifting is the goal, aiming to compress spaces to prevent the opponent from playing through balls and from starting individual actions. The most important tactical tackling measures include channeling the ball carrier to the flank and winning possession through double-teaming, as well as forcing the opponent's build-up play to the wide players through proper shifting, then closing the passing lanes so that only a pass into the centre is possible. There, the player is then double-teamed and put under massive pressure.