343 Soccer System - The Future
Before we get deep into our 343 soccer system let’s think about the future of soccer formations/systems and the way we control players’ position in the field…
Have you ever thought about this? For example… could we control our players’ positions with a remote control?
(I can see your smiling face now…)
Well, it’s possible that in 10 years from now your players may be like little ‘robots’ that you can manipulate and control from your bench, sounds hype?…
Let Me Present… The New Robotic Soccer Formation!
My good friends from the CAMBADA champions team (engineers from Aveiro University here in Portugal) invited me to assist to a demo of their most recent project… and let me tell you how I which to have these guys on my team (they really know what discipline is… eh eh):
Not bad for a robot. Now let’s get to business…
The Human 3-4-3 Soccer System
As I said in an earlier chapter, there is no such thing as the perfect soccer formation. Instead, there are several strategic formations that, when used at the right time, can make the best use of your team players’ skills. Each team has its own plus points. For this reason, different formations may suit different players.
Of these, the 3-4-3 considered an offensive formation is a classic.This is how it looks like:
In the 3-4-3 there are three forwards, four midfielders, three center backs and one keeper. Here, one striker is expected to continuously remain at the edge of the attack and be strong enough to stay put. Three fullbacks must work closely as a unit. One midfielder must fall back and play before the defensive line, pressuring the ball so that the defense is never disturbed or trapped.
Considered one of the most offensive strategic formations, the 3-4-3 is useful when a strong defense is essential or when the team needs to score a lot of goals.
Here are some points about the particular positions in the 3-4-3 formation:
- The sweeper leads on the field, controlling the defense by being behind the fullbacks.
- The defenders, both right and left, cover the team forwards and maneuver the ball with the midfielders for better crossing.
- The left and right midfielders are responsible for the crosses in the offense and carry the ball up the field as they have more space compared with the center midfielders.
- The left and right center midfielders distribute the ball to the offenders, and work on obstructing the opponent’s play , trying to keep them from the defensive line.
- The three forwards use the tactic of runs to the corners. To receive the cross, the center forward and opposite forward find their way in.
The best thing about the 3-4-3 formation is that it is symmetrical and deploys the team in a balanced way across the pitch so that space coverage is optimum. Because of the diamond shaped formation, the players can also provide the proper support to each other effortlessly. Without disturbing the shape of the formation, the midfield players can support the defense easily.
Remember the robotic formation? I know you probably tought that “They are just robots… they could never play soccer”. Well here’s the answer to that…
Like they say on those famous ads… “Impossible Is Nothing”!
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Andre Botelho
Tags: 3-4-3 Soccer Formation, 343 Soccer System, Soccer Formations, Soccer Systems
