The 4-2-3-1 is a very widespread formation in modern soccer because it has many assets. Teams that use this playing system seek above all flexibility without neglecting defensive stability, sometimes put in danger by a 3-5-2 formation (when poorly applied). What training drills to use to work on the 4-2-3-1? What are the assets and weaknesses of a 4-2-3-1 system? Follow the guide.
- What is the 4-2-3-1 in soccer?
- Tactics: how to play the 4-2-3-1?
- What training drills to use to work on the 4-2-3-1?
- The strengths of the 4-2-3-1 formation
- What are the weaknesses of the 4-2-3-1 system?
- Conclusion on the 4-2-3-1 formation
What is the 4-2-3-1 in soccer?
The 4-2-3-1 is a playing system that consists of 4 defenders, 2 defensive midfielders, 2 attacking midfielders on the wings, a central attacking midfielder, and a center forward.
The 4-2-3-1 formation breaks down into 4 distinct lines, with 2 wingers who will drop back into midfield in the defensive phase.
The different lines of the 4-2-3-1
But then how to play the 4-2-3-1 effectively? What defensive instructions to follow and what offensive movement to propose? The 4-2-3-1 has many advantages but also some disadvantages to avoid. Quick overview with the Soccer Coach Lab team.
Tactics: how to play the 4-2-3-1?
How to defend in 4-2-3-1?
On the defensive side, it's important to recall that you'll apply a mid-block (or low block). You'll have very good defensive stability thanks to your 4 defenders and the 2 defensive midfielders.
At the level of your offensive line, there will then be 2 scenarios when it comes to applying pressing:
- Apply pressing against a 4-man defense
- Apply pressing against a 3-man defense
Against a 4-man defense, if the opposing left fullback is in possession of the ball, your right winger will then press them. The center forward will come to block the central defender closest to the ball, while the left winger will press the 2nd central defender. This will leave free the 2nd opposing fullback, the furthest from the ball.
The 4-2-3-1 against a 4-man defense
Against a 3-man defense, your center forward positions themselves at the level of the central defender while the wingers will block passing lanes between the 2 other central defenders and opposing fullbacks. Your fullbacks will then advance one level (slightly) to block spaces behind the opposing fullbacks. If the central defender plays to one of the two other central defenders, it's your attacking midfielder who comes to press, temporarily transforming the formation into a flat 4-4-2.
The 4-2-3-1 against a 3-man defense
The offensive movement of the 4-2-3-1
Build-up play concentrates mainly around the 2 central defensive midfielders. Like a Toni Kroos at Real Madrid, they will be very active from the start of the action. The left and right attacking midfielders will then advance one level so the central midfielders can build play. Upon losing the ball (or if the opposing team proposes a high block), they will drop back one level to create a 4-4-2.
What training drills to work on the 4-2-3-1?
The first drill we propose is work on high pressing and rapid attacks on 2 small goals. It's a very good drill proposed at Tottenham, ideal for finishing a session on a small-sided game.
High pressing and rapid attacks on 2 small goals
Define a space approximately 30x40m then divide it into 2 zones of equal area. Then delimit 2 zones 5m wide at each end of the main zone. Finally, place 2 small goals on each of the outer lines (see animation above). Form 2 teams of 7 players, with 2 players from each team in the secondary zones.
The drill will start with a possession game in 5v5 in one of the main zones. The offensive team (here in yellow) has the objective of performing a minimum of 5 passes before playing to one of the 2 support players, who must play it back in one touch so a player from the team can then score on one of the small goals.
The defending team (here the blues) must quickly find one of the support players on the other side of the field as soon as they regain the ball. Once the pass is made, all players switch to the other zone and a new possession starts.
The second drill we propose to work on the 4-2-3-1 during your next training session is a attack-defense transition drill with a 5v3 on a double zone.
Attack-defense transition with a 5v3 on a double zone
Don't hesitate to consult the drill sheet to get more details.
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The strengths of the 4-2-3-1 formation
The strengths of a 4-2-3-1 playing system are tactical flexibility, the possibility to play possession or counter-attack (depending on the opponent), and its great defensive stability due to the presence of a 4-man defense and 2 defensive midfielders.
Contrary to a 4-3-3 system, the 4-2-3-1 formation avoids certain defensive imbalances. The central defensive midfielders can come to fill certain gaps from the wingers.
What are the weaknesses of the 4-2-3-1 system?
The main disadvantage of this playing system is the spaces left between fullbacks and wingers. This can create a break between the 6 players with a defensive role and the 4 attacking players and you'll then truly have 2 distinct teams.
This distinction can then make your team's offensive play very stereotyped. Without the contribution of fullbacks or the support of a defensive midfielder, the 4 attacking players will very quickly find themselves alone. Also think about managing your center forward, who will have great efforts to make during pressing phases.
Conclusion on the 4-2-3-1 formation
As we've seen, the 4-2-3-1 is a very widespread playing system within current professional teams. Composed of 4 lines, it brings very good defensive solidity with a primordial role of the 2 defensive midfielders. However, poor management of transition phases can lead to a break between the 6 players with defensive roles and the 4 attacking players.
