Tactics 4-3-3: Examples of Drills and Pressing Choices

This tactical analysis deals with the different varieties of pressing when you implement a 4-3-3 formation. We'll give you an overview of the different forms, including their advantages and disadvantages and their consequences on pressing itself. Some teams will stay in 4-3-3 during pressing, while others will evolve into another shape, with a clear intention: to better press the ball carrier.

The 4-3-3 focusing on central zones

A common way to press in a 4-3-3 formation is how Liverpool press under Jürgen Klopp's orders. The heart of their tactical approach is "gegenpressing", and they will then try to guide the opposing team into the central zones of the field to regain possession via their three central players in midfield.

Liverpool's pressing in 4-3-3 formation

This is why wingers are supposed to defend high on the field. As this creates space on the wing, fullbacks must be ready to advance along the touchline to also press. Ideally, wingers use their covering zone to prevent any pass into wider spaces. The center forward also presses on the central defender and thus leaves only one passing lane, toward, you'll have guessed it, the 3 central midfielders.

The basis behind this philosophy used at Liverpool is to primarily prevent wide passes. If done well, this will force opposing defensive players to extend their coverage horizontally and vertically, thus forcing them to play through the center of the field. It's somewhat the opposite of the offensive process which consists of circulating the ball horizontally.

Drill to work on the 4-3-3

Drill inspired by a training session from Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, it will allow your players to work on their positioning in a 4-3-3 formation, while allowing the opposing team to practice high pressing.

Build-up and forward play in 4-3-3 by Jürgen Klopp

On three-quarters of the field, delimit a first low zone 35m wide, a central zone of 7m, and finally a finishing zone 15m wide. Then place 3 small goals on the goal line of the last zone. Finally, form 2 teams of 9 and 11 players including a goalkeeper.

The team attacking the small goals will position themselves in 4-3-3 (11 players) and the team defending in 2-4-3 (9 players) with high positioning on the field.

The drill will proceed as follows:

1. Play starts from the goalkeeper (or coach) and the team of 11 players (here the blues) must build up to find an attacker in depth in the finishing zone.
2. The 3 attackers positioned in the central zone cannot drop down one level into the low zone. Only 1 attacker at a time can do this and come to drop off to offer a solution.
3. The defending team (9 players) will perform high pressing and regain possession to finish on the large goal as quickly as possible.
4. If the offensive team scores in the small goal, they score 1 point. If the opposing team regains the ball and scores in the large goal, they score 1 point (and 2 points if they score in less than 10 seconds).

The transition from 4-3-3 to 4-1-3-2

Another popular concept for using a 4-3-3 structure is to transition to a 4-1-3-2 at the moment of pressing. This is often used when the 4-3-3 is played with a deep-lying midfielder, who plays behind two more advanced midfielders.

The advanced midfielders support the attacking players during pressing, while the deeper midfielder covers in front of the defensive line.

Once the attacker is on the far side of the ball, an advanced midfielder steps out to press.

The "attacking" midfielder has been able to advance while the wingers came inside to form a new line of three.

This creates two zones within the team. A 4-1 to cover spaces behind the defensive line, and a 3-2 to press the opposing team. The 3-2 offensive formation is particularly useful for exerting pressure on opposing defenders, while controlling the center of the field and pushing defenders toward the touchline.

Should you press or let the opposing team come?

In summary, the different ways to adapt a 4-3-3 during pressing all have advantages and disadvantages. Some forms are rather useful for a defensive approach that could be qualified as active, while others suit a more wait-and-see way of defending.

In general, the ideal configuration depends on your team's and players' abilities, as well as the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, when playing in 4-3-3, there are many different pressing configurations. Nevertheless, as our analysis shows, all tactics present certain advantages as well as certain disadvantages. Therefore, your squad's strengths and weaknesses must be your best guide when choosing the tactic to apply.

Think also about reminding your players of these choices and tactical aspects during your pre-match team talk, this will allow your players to be in the best conditions.

Good coaching!