Football formations
A formation is the starting point: how the ten outfield players are spread out. This is how the four you see most in La Liga work.
Key points
- The numbers in a formation count outfield players from back to front; the goalkeeper is left out.
- A formation is only a starting point: it changes when the team has the ball and when it does not.
- 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 are the most common, and each asks for a different type of player.
What a formation is
A formation describes how the ten outfield players are arranged in lines. A 4-3-3 has four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. It tells you at a glance how a team sets out, but during a match positions move constantly.
How the main formations line up
4-3-3
4-4-2
4-2-3-1
3-5-2
4-3-3: width and a high press
The classic shape of positional play. Two wingers provide width on the touchline and the centre-forward pins the centre-backs. In midfield there is usually a holding midfielder (the "pivot") and two central midfielders who get into the box.
Strengths: it suits a high press, because the front three can close down the opposing defence. Risk: if the wingers do not track back, the full-backs are left facing two against one.
4-4-2: two banks of four
Two compact lines of four and two strikers. It is the easiest shape to organise defensively, because every player has a clear zone and the lines cover for each other. Many teams that defend in a mid or low block use it out of possession even if they attack in another shape.
Strengths: solidity and two forwards to break on the counter. Risk: with only two central midfielders it can be outnumbered by a side with three in the middle.
4-2-3-1: the balanced one
Two holding midfielders in front of the back four give balance, with three attacking midfielders and a lone striker ahead of them. The central number 10 links up with the centre-forward. It is very common because it lets a team defend in a 4-4-1-1 and attack with five players ahead of the ball.
3-5-2: three centre-backs and wing-backs
Three centre-backs and two wing-backs who cover the whole flank. In attack the wing-backs act as wingers; in defence they drop back and the team forms a back five (5-3-2). It needs wing-backs with plenty of stamina and centre-backs who are comfortable on the ball.
In and out of possession
Coaches now talk more about the shape with and without the ball than about a single set of numbers. A 4-3-3 can defend as a 4-5-1 and attack as a 2-3-5 when the full-backs push on. More in tactical concepts.
Frequently asked questions
What do the numbers in a formation mean?
How many players are in each line, from back to front, not counting the goalkeeper: 4-3-3 is four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
Do teams always play the same formation?
No. The shape changes with and without the ball: a 4-3-3 can defend as a 4-5-1 and attack with the full-backs so high it looks like a 2-3-5.