Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Phases of the 4-4-2 formation

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4-4-2 In transition

As the ball is won on the defensive third the transition to the middle third begins and we begin our build up to the final third. The back line becomes diamond shape. The two center backs become one defender up and the other back ready to sweep anything that makes it back. The outside backs get wider to spread the field and open up passing lanes. They support the outside mids by providing a drop if needed. The midfield moves forward and the outside mids get even wider in an effort to spread the defense apart. The forwards will stretch the field by pressing as far as possible on the opponents back line with out being off side. They can be staggered with their positionging a bit to create some depth to the formation. They must still be connected so that they can play off of each other still. The entire team needs to move together in the formation. If we have big gaps between the back line and the midfield or gap between the midfield and forwards it becomes an area where we can lose possession and kill the build up.