9 Most Common Formations and Tactics in World Football

1 year ago

There are numerous tactical formations used by coaches in professional 11-a-side football. However, in the five biggest national football leagues in the world, there are about 9 formations that are the most commonly used. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the 9 best formations used in football.

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9 Most Popular Football Formations in Top Football Leagues Around the World

9. 4-2-2-2

best-football-formations-4-2-2-2

Usage: 12 times

Most popular in: Ligue 1 (11 times)

The 4-2-2-2 formation is commonly known as the "magic rectangle." This tactical formation consists of a backline of 4 defenders, a midfield line of 4 midfielders, and 2 strikers. The 4 midfielders and 2 forwards are positioned to play in a vertical axis in the middle of the field. These 6 players form a rectangular shape but constantly transform when the midfielders move across the field. That's why this tactical formation is called the "magic rectangle." However, in modern football, the 4-2-2-2 formation has been modified, with the two wing midfielders moving wide instead of staying central.

The 4-2-2-2 formation offers flexibility in changing shape and is considered balanced between attack and defense. When attacking on the wings, the two wing midfielders can push forward and transform the formation into a 4-2-4. On the other hand, when defensive capabilities are needed, the 4-2-2-2 formation can turn into a 4-6-0, with the two forwards dropping back to midfield, and the two wing midfielders retreating to their defensive positions. In a defensive state, the 4-6-0 formation resembles a double-decker bus parked in front of the goal, with the home team's goalkeeper guarding the net.

8. 3-4-3

3-4-3-formation

Usage: 37 times

Most popular in: Premier League (25 times)

The 3-4-3 formation is also a popular attacking formation in the Premier League. It has the advantage of using only 3 center-backs for defensive duties, a midfield line of 4 players with 2 wing-backs who support both attacking and defensive play by occupying the spaces on the flanks. The front line consists of 3 forwards, making the attacking potential even stronger.

With a midfield line of 4 players operating in the center, the 3-4-3 formation allows teams to easily control the central areas of the field. Once they have possession, teams can launch attacks through short passing in the central area. The ball is then coordinated upfield to the two forwards and continues to be distributed for goal-scoring opportunities. The 3-4-3 formation is evaluated as having a powerful attacking potential with 3 forwards and 4 midfielders. However, if the wing-backs lack speed and stamina, the team's play using this formation can be severely affected. If the wing-backs are unable to track back in time, the defense with 3 center-backs may face difficulties. If the wing-backs do not coordinate well with the wing forwards, the attacking potential can also be significantly weakened.

7. 4-1-2-1-2

4-1-2-1-2-formation

Usage: 108 times

Most popular in: Serie A (57 times)

The 4-1-2-1-2 formation is a famous attacking formation widely used in Serie A. This formation stands out with a midfield line of 4 players playing in the central area of the field. The defense consists of 4 players, including 2 wing-backs with good speed who can move forward to attack and occupy the spaces on the flanks. The forward line comprises 2 strikers, enhancing the attacking potential.

With a midfield line of 4 players operating in the central area, the 4-1-2-1-2 formation helps teams easily control the midfield. Once they have the ball, teams can launch attacks through short passes in the central area. The ball is coordinated forward to the two strikers, creating opportunities for goal-scoring. In the 4-1-2-1-2 formation, teams usually have excellent ball control, and the two wing-backs tend to push forward in the flanks. This formation focuses on all-out attacking, using offense as the best defense.

6. 4-4-1-1

4-4-1-1-formation

Usage: 181 times

Most popular in: Premier League (120 times)

The 4-4-1-1 formation is a variant of the 4-4-2 formation. The key difference lies in the two forwards. One forward is pushed up to play as a central striker within the penalty area, while the other forward drops back to support and provide assists for the central striker. Like the 4-4-2 formation, the 4-4-1-1 also has a defense with 4 players and a midfield with 4 players. The 4-4-1-1 formation is considered an effective tactical formation widely used in the Premier League.

5. 3-5-2 (3-5-1-1)

3-5-2-formation

Usage: 182 times

Most popular in: Serie A (168 times)

The 3-5-1-1 formation is an attacking football formation widely used in Serie A and gradually spreading across the rest of Europe. Many famous coaches have experimented with this tactical formation, such as Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Mancini, Paul Lambert, and Sam Allardyce.

The most notable aspect of the 3-5-1-1 formation is the trio of midfielders, consisting of 2 defensive midfielders and one central midfielder playing just in front of the defense. The 3-5-1-1 formation primarily relies on the three center-backs to handle most of the defensive duties. The two wing midfielders are prioritized for their attacking capabilities and defensive support in the flanks if possible. The 3-5-1-1 formation focuses heavily on players operating in central positions, providing excellent control in the midfield area. This helps disrupt the attacking play of teams focused on central attacks. However, the formation's weakest aspect lies in the wing areas. If the opponent is strong in wing attacks, they can create numerous dangerous opportunities from crosses and cut-ins into the penalty area.

4. 4-1-4-1

4-1-4-1-formation

Usage: 184 times

Most popular in: Bundesliga (69 times)

The 4-1-4-1 formation is a tactical formation commonly used by German teams in the Bundesliga. This formation includes a defensive line of 4 players and a midfield line of 5 players, with one defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, and two wing midfielders. The formation uses a single forward playing in the highest position on the field.

Looking at the 4-1-4-1 formation, we can see that it focuses on defensive capabilities. Teams employing this formation often launch attacks with long passes to their forward. The forward needs to have good positioning and aerial abilities to receive passes from teammates. The 4-1-4-1 formation is suitable for teams prioritizing defensive capabilities and employing long-ball tactics.

3. 4-3-3

4-3-3-formation

Usage: 303 times

Most popular in: Serie A (113 times)

The 4-3-3 formation is a widely used formation in professional football. It is evaluated as having an excellent balance between attack and defense. The 4-3-3 formation consists of a defense with 4 players, a midfield with 3 players, including 2 defensive midfielders and 1 attacking midfielder, and a forward line with 3 players, including a central striker and 2 wing forwards with speed and stamina to play on the flanks.

The 4-3-3 tactical setup prioritizes all-out attacking potential. Many successful football teams have applied this formation extensively, such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Portugal national team.

2. 4-4-2

4-4-2-formation

Usage: 307

Most popular in: Bundesliga (94 times)

The 4-4-2 formation is a classic football formation widely used by English teams. However, German clubs competing in the Bundesliga have frequently employed this tactical setup, especially with 94 instances. The 4-4-2 formation includes four defenders, four midfielders, consisting of two central midfielders and two wingers. The forward line will comprise a striking duo playing together at the highest point of the formation.

The 4-4-2 lineup was highly successful during the golden era of wingers. When the wingers advanced to attack and delivered crosses into the box, the two forwards were ready to seize goal-scoring opportunities. This formation is considered well-balanced across all lines, but it may not stand out prominently in terms of either attacking or defensive capabilities. Therefore, modern coaches have made adjustments to create variations more suited to contemporary football.

1. 4-2-3-1

4-2-3-1-formation

Usage: 1253

Most popular in: La Liga (432 times)

The most widely used football formation is the 4-2-3-1 formation. According to statistics, professional teams have utilized this formation a staggering 1253 times, with La Liga alone accounting for 432 instances. The key feature of the 4-2-3-1 tactical setup lies in the abundance of midfielders, with five positions (2 defensive midfielders and 3 attacking midfielders). This formation still employs the traditional four defenders and has only one central striker playing at the highest position.

With a five-man midfield, teams utilizing the 4-2-3-1 formation possess excellent ball control. The attacking trio, if performing well, creates a formidable attacking force in the central area of the pitch. The attacking midfielders can easily link up with the striker to generate powerful attacking moves that can penetrate the opponent's defensive line. The defensive midfield duo plays just in front of the defense, acting as interceptors and ball retrievers. The ball is then circulated forward through short passes.

The 4-2-3-1 formation can be described as a powerful central attacking formation. If a team possesses skilled attacking midfielders, they should seriously consider applying this tactical setup. However, the formation's weakness lies in its lack of emphasis on wing play. Consequently, teams employing this formation often select smaller players with good speed and technique to compensate for the lack of wing presence.

Conclusion

That concludes the list of the 9 best formations in football. However, it's also important to note that there are numerous tactical formations used by professional football coaches in modern football. No formation is perfect, unbeatable, or without weaknesses. Professional coaches often apply formations flexibly based on the match situation to achieve their team's objectives.