This is a defensive form of the 3-4-2-1 formation.

Many teams like to use the 3-4-2-1 as the formation in offense and then change to five-two-two-one while switching to defense.

So what are the strengths of this formation? Well, just like the 3-4-2-1 this formation has three strikers and is very efficient in offense.

The formation also has 5 defenders which gives it a big advantage in the defense game.

The weakness of this formation is that you don’t have any players on the flank which will make your team weaker on the midfield.

While playing in this formation, it is crucial and very important to remember that your strikers are responsible for their duty to help the midfield in defense.

I know from experience that strikers and forwards try to avoid everything that has to do with defense.

However, if you are playing as a striker or forward you need to realize that every soccer player has defensive duties regardless of their position on the field.

So, if you thought that forwards were completely free from their defensive responsibilities then you need to think again.

Defense really does matter. No soccer game has been won purely from an offensive standpoint. You have to have a good mix of both!

While this soccer formation can be pretty efficient against weaker teams your team should consider changing the formation if your opponents have a strong midfield.

The team that wins the midfield game will be the winner of the match.

P.S., make sure to browse through the rest of our soccer training guide as well!