11v11 · 1-3-4-3
3-4-3 formation
The 3-4-3 is an eleven-a-side shape with one goalkeeper, three centre backs, a midfield four and three forwards, so ten outfield players sit in three lines. It is the most aggressive shape in the set: a back three, two wide midfielders who act as wing backs, and three players permanently ahead of the ball.
When to use the 3-4-3
Use it when you are chasing a result, or when you have forwards who press relentlessly and wide players who can defend as well as attack. Your Left Center Midfielder (#6) and Right Center Midfielder (#8) hold the centre while the Left Wing Midfielder (#11) and Right Wing Midfielder (#7) provide the width. The trade-off is the striker-less midfielder problem: with nobody between your midfield and the opposition back line, you must play through their midfielders rather than around them.
Roles in the 3-4-3
| Line | Roles |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Goalkeeper (#1) |
| Defence | Left Center Back (#4), Center Back (#5), Right Center Back (#6) |
| Midfield | Left Wing Midfielder (#11), Left Center Midfielder (#6), Right Center Midfielder (#8), Right Wing Midfielder (#7) |
| Attack | Left Forward (#11), Striker (#9), Right Forward (#9) |
Strengths
- Three forwards press the opposition back line and win the ball high.
- A back three plus two wing backs keeps the defensive structure intact.
- Left, centre and right forwards stretch the defence and create crossing angles.
Risks
- The opposition midfield is unopposed between your midfield four and their defence.
- Three forwards leave you six outfield players defending, so counters are unopposed.
- Wing midfielders who cannot defend become a permanent liability in the channels.
Key roles to coach
Center Back (#5)
He anchors a back three that is often the deepest line of the whole shape. His anticipation decides whether the three forwards get to press the opposition build-up.
Left Wing Midfielder (#11)
He is a winger in possession and a wing back out of it, and the side relies on him to provide both the width and the defensive cover. If he cannot do both jobs, use the 3-5-2 instead.
Striker (#9)
He is the central reference point between the two wide forwards, tying their runs together and giving the midfield four a safe passing option. His hold-up play starts the attack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3-4-3 formation?
It is an eleven-a-side structure of one goalkeeper, three centre backs, four midfielders and three forwards. Ten outfield players sit in three lines, with two of the midfielders operating as wing backs so that three attackers can stay ahead of the ball.
Is a 3-4-3 better than a 3-5-2?
The 3-4-3 wins the ball higher and scores more easily, because three forwards press the back line. The 3-5-2 controls midfield better with a defensive pair, so it will dominate possession and protect a one-goal lead. Attack favours the 3-4-3.
How do you defend a counter in a 3-4-3?
Push one of the wing midfielders back into a flat four in front of the back three and accept less width. Do not pull both wide players in at once, because that is exactly the space the counter runs into. Hold the Striker (#9) as cover.