| The 4-4-2 System |
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Organization and use of the 4-4-2 system during attacking and defense. Starting Formation Four players in defense, four midfield players, and two attackers (see figure).  Organization Arrange the defensive unit either with four players in a line or with one player (a sweeper) behind the other three. Position the midfield unit in any of several variations: diamond, line, bowl, two-two, and three-one arrangement (see figure). The two attackers either start off as a pair (i.e., working closely together in the central area) or position themselves on the wings. Attacking The three units' roles in terms of moving should be integrated and complement each other, to utilize width and depth in the game. In the attacking structure, the two fullbacks should ensure that there is width in the buildup. Space should simultaneously be created for offensive moves up the pitch. This is facilitated if the offensive midfielder moves away from the wing. By doing this, the midfielder creates space for offensive support for the fullbacks and becomes available for the option of a combination. Using this system demands that the fullbacks come forward down the wings in the opposition's defensive zone and, in particular, deliver crosses to the central players. The two fullbacks should be skilled at accessing all situations. Between the two of them, they should know when to move forward and when they should hold back. Both central defenders should be in supporting positions during the buildup of play. If a libero is part of the formation, this player should actively take part in the buildup. Select the midfield formation to promote offensive support from the fullbacks and to utilize the qualities of the midfielders. The formation should create safe consolidation play as the basis of dynamic penetrating play. Aside from the options for combinations, the midfielders should also be ready to receive the ball in the attacking zone and to pick up second balls outside the penalty area. Support for the attackers is also vital, using, for example, diagonal runs into the opposition's defensive zone. The two attackers should move with full awareness of each other's positions. If they position themselves around the center of defense, they attract at least two defenders and, at the same time, they are in a position to make diagonal runs out toward the wings, one at a time. By taking up positions a long way from each other, they can create space for forward-breaking midfielders, and they can set in motion a blind-side run. Defending Defensively, 4-4-2 is usually organized by zonal marking, which assures appropriate cover of all areas on the team's own half of the pitch. The two attackers should work as a pair and either cover the opposition's buildup on one of the side areas or position themselves centrally and apply pressure to a defender to whom the ball may be played. By the choice of midfield formation, the team can invite the opposition to take up particular directions of play. If the four players form, for example, a bowl shape, this invites the opposition to play through the middle, while the wings are conversely closed off. If the four midfielders make a diamond shape, the position of the offensive midfielder, in relation to the ball and his two attacking teammates, dictates the opposition's buildup of play. A well-organized midfield will be an advantage in the transition from defense to attack because it will generally be easy to find a quick passing option on winning the ball. With defensive cooperation between defense and midfield, the team can use the pressure game. The defense can be organized with a sweeper or a libero. A "flat back" defense, where the four players are in a line, calls for a cautious goalkeeper, who can, on occasion, also fulfill the role of sweeper. The effectiveness of the defensive unit depends on the players' ability to move across and maintain balance according to the changing defensive situations. Comments (1)
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