In our latest Premium article guide, our Head of Content Lee Fletcher explores the 1-4-3-1 formation in the defending phase of the 9v9 game format, discussing its advantages and disadvantages, and how coaches can utilise this system in the development of young players.
On the balance of things, most observers would consider 1-4-3-1 to be a defensive formation at 9v9. For this reason, there are a number of advantages for your defence in this formation:
- Compact shape in the middle
- Security at the back in numbers to make play predictable
- By dropping deep there is space up for field to counter-attack quickly
As players transition into the 11v11 game at 13, the 1-4-3-1 allows your team to prepare for 4-3-3 and 5-3-2 formations.
With the wingers missing in the 1-4-3-3 and the central centre-half and 1 striker in the 5-3-2, this is a perfect opportunity for players to become accustomed to the similar advantages and disadvantages you may come up against when playing in these formations.
Using detailed animations and broadcast-quality video content, Lee Fletcher investigates the ways to get the best out of your young players when defending in the 1-4-3-1 formation.
Did you miss the 1-4-3-1 Attacking guide?
Head of Content Lee Fletcher also delved into the attacking advantages and disadvantages of the 1-4-3-1 formation in this article here.
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