The term formation in football explains the manner on how players of a team are arranged on the pitch. It is indicated numerically, which means numbers are used to determine how many players will be in the attacking, defensive and midfield positions. These numbers usually are described by threes or fours.
The formation used does not just determine the position of the players but also defines his or her role, whether he or she plays an attacking or defensive role or plays in the center or right towards the pitch.
There are several kinds of formations that can be used by a team and it is usually the head coach or manager’s job to determine the one that needs to be played.
Kinds and Uses of Formations
There are several formations used in football that come with varying uses. The kind of formation to be played usually depends upon the choice of the coach. In addition, a particular formation does not have to be played throughout a game. This is why it is important that players and football enthusiasts should also know more about the different kinds of formations and its uses to really have a deeper perceptual understanding of the game.The first kinds of formation fall under the category of wide and narrow formations. The formations under these categories are based on the type of players a team have. Narrow formations are best for teams who work best on their attacks through the center and have a good supply of central midfielders. Wide formations on the other hand are for teams that have a good supply of wingers and forwards who can play the attack along a large stretch on the field. Formations belonging to the narrow category include 4-3-2-1 and 4-1-2-1-2 while those that belong to the wide formations include 4-3-3, 3-5-2 and 4-2-3-1.
Another set of category for formations are the change to attacking formations and change to defensive formations. These group of formations are used at the middle of the game to aid a team’s progress. Change to attacking formations are applied by a team that likes to sacrifice a midfield or defensive player for a forward. Formations like 5-3-2 to 4-3-3, 3-5-2 to 3-4-3 and 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 are good examples. On the other hand, change to defensive formations are mainly used by a team who occupies a lead and wishes to protect this lead. Examples of formations under this category include 4-4-2 to 5-4-1, 3-5-2 to 4-5-1 and 4-4-2 to 5-3-2.
Formations can also be used to deceive opponents when it comes to the style of play that will be used. This deception can increase the team’s probability in scoring a goal or defending a score.