Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Positions understanding in a 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1:

#1, Goalkeeper

#2 & #3, Outside backs

#4 & #5, Center backs

#6 & #8, Center mids

#7 & #11, Outside mids

#10, Attacking mid

#9, Striker

The Center Backs

2 Center Backs: #4 & #5

Pushing danger to the wings. Center Backs should be comfortable defending on crosses. clearing ball, winning 50/50. 
With outside backs supporting our attack, center backs must cover the space behing outside backs.

Must coordinate with Center Mids to fill the gaps. 

No afraid to clear the ball with headers. 

Center Backs must communicate constantly. Cover each other, stay connected. Follow the mark checking in.  

Protect from long distance shot with the center mids. 

Make sure Center Mids are not defending too deep or attacking too high. 

The Center Mids

The Center Mids: #6 & #8

The are the heart of the organization. Maintaining a constant balance in our formation. 
Responsible to secure the center area with the center backs, protect from long distance shot. 

They must defend high enough to allow our center backs to do their job and be open in transition but not too high that they would give up too much space between them and our back line. 

In attacking phase, they cover our outside backs. 

Versatile players, technically sound, able to take shot, good vision and stamina. 

Constant communication to make sure they cover each other and protect their back line while supporting in attacking phase. 

Understanding the game, key player in transition, with to without or without the with the ball. 

Solid 50/50 player, able to exploit the space upon winning the ball. 

The Attacking Mid

The Attacking Mid: #10

Constantly connected to the stricker, but like the outside mids and the striker, the attacking mid is expected to act like our first defender, challenging the ball carrier when in the zone, and closing connection as needed. 

Technically above average, able to to dribble, connect in small space or exploit space ahead, good passer and shooter. Will dictate our pressure strategy by connectiong our lines. 

Freedom within the last 30 to swap position with any of the top 4. Always using the space created by the striker or creating space for other to use. 

Technically above average, able to play facing our team or the goal, not necessary the faster player on the field, the vision and understanding of the game should be above average.