In the early years of soccer there were only a limited amount of formations that were regularly used. Since those early era`s the tactical side of the game has dramatically changed. Flexibility has become the norm, and teams have customized the way they play against there opponents.
We have outlined 6 commonly used formations used by professional league clubs, as well as international teams. Each one is based on a 11 players formula. Each of the formations is unique, because targeted players are crucial to making the various formation work effectively. Every team in the world will adjust how each one of these formations work for them, because from Europe to Asia to South America, the styleand pace of play is different, making for an interesting result.
4-4-2
A very popular formation is the 4-4-2. This puts a lot a work on the midfield. One of the two midfielders must move up to support the attacks, while the other drops back. The outside players defend and attack, creating a temporary 4-4-2. The two strikers play off each other must work well together.
3-5-2
The 3-5-2 utilizes more midfielders with two strikers on top. The wide players, usually play up and down the wings. The wings must do a lot of the running to support the defense and midfield, striker attack.
4-3-3
Is a more defensive minded. The 4-3-3 was used by Brazil at the 1962 World Cup. The midfielders play three across covering a good
part of the field, helping to control the ball for a longer period of time. It is said some teams will change to this formation in a match depending there status at that time of the match.
4-5-1
This is a defensive formation with a full midfield and just one striker playing high until he gets support usually from the winger. This is great for teams that plays a fast paced style of soccer. The strategy lends itself to a quick counter attack, when the opposition gives up the ball.
4-2-3-1
4-2-3-1 is widely used in the European club divisions. It involves a lot of the midfield, with two of the midfield players in holding positions and the other one in an attacking role. The German national team used this formation very successfully in the 2010 World Cup.
1-4-3-2
Is using a sweeper or rover in front of the goalkeeper to control the risk of an opposing forward breaking through the last line of defense. It is a defensive system forcing opponents vulnerable to counter-attacks. This is used in very defensive strategies, when playing an opponent with a strong offensive team.
