3-1-3-3 Offensive Powerhouse

by Shane
(Great Falls, MT)

I coach for Electric City Football Club out of Great Falls, Mt and I utilized the 3-1-3-3 formation set up last season and lead my boys to runners up at state.

The three backs play flat and relatively compact. The single holding midfielder in front of the backs has a high pressure role on the ball; this keeps the backs from becoming spread out and allowing space for attackers to penetrate.

The wing players are required to do a considerable amount of running playing both sides of the ball, but receive support from the outside strikers through constantly checking to the ball and providing quick outlets.

The three strikers up top allow a midfield player with the ball at least two options (i.e. a line option as well checking option). By bringing two strikers into a playable position will often draw the same number of defenders to the ball as well, this opens up space behind for the third striker or attacking midfielder.

The attacking midfielder that sits behind the strikers has a crucial role in game play and pace. The player is usually extremely composed with the ball and capable of making intelligent passing decisions (i.e. not always pushing forward, but maintaining possession and building up the attack). This requires the player to be able to identify when to hold the ball and wait for support as well as when to quickly distribute and move off the ball.

The emphasis is obviously high pressure in the offensive third, with quick short passes and triangles. It also provides 2 on 1 pressure on defenders when possession is lost. From the back quick counter attacks are made possible through quick distributions to the wing players, or to the holding mid and then wing players.

In the event you wish to protect a lead it is a simple transition to a 4-4-2 formation by pulling the holding mid into a center back role as well as pulling a striker into a shared central midfielder role.

Formation Visual:

ST ST ST

CAM
Wing Wing
CDM

LB CB RB

GK