Formation 1-4-3-3 with defensive triangle

The 4-3-3 system first defines only the number of field players in each section of the team. The goalkeeper is initially excluded from this count in the formation name. In this 4-3-3 system presented here, the midfielders are arranged in a triangle on the field. The individual team sections are given as lines. The first line is the goalkeeper. The second line is the back four, the third line is the two defensive midfielders, the fourth is the attacking central midfielder, and the fifth line is the forward trio. When the team has possession, the goalkeeper moves between his goal and the centre of his own half, maintaining a distance of approx. 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. In this system, play involves two centre backs, two fullbacks in the back line, two midfielders in the half-spaces, one attacking central midfielder, two wide forwards, and one centre forward. When in possession, the staggering with four attacking players provides an increased number of passing options near the danger zone. When the opponent has possession, the team moves into a defensive unit in the 4-2-3-1 line formation within an area of maximum 35 x 35 metres. The two wide forwards drop back into midfield. The defensive formation is characterised by a line positioning of the individual team sections. The four defenders stand on a line, the two defensive midfielders form a line, then the central midfielder and the two wide forwards form a line, and the centre forward likewise. This creates four defensive lines. Certain distances must be maintained to ensure optimal defence of the goal. These distances are typically: 7-12 metres in width and 8-15 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.