Complete Guide to the 4-3-3 Formation

What is the 4-3-3 Formation?

The 4-3-3 is one of football's most popular formations. It features:

• 4 defenders: 2 centre-backs, 2 full-backs
• 3 midfielders: Usually 1 holding, 2 advanced (or balanced)
• 3 attackers: 2 wingers, 1 centre-forward

Used by top clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Manchester City, it's a flexible system that suits teams who want to attack with width and press high.

Key Positions and Roles

Full-Backs

Modern 4-3-3 demands a lot from full-backs:

• Defend 1v1 against opposition wingers
• Overlap to provide width in attack
• Cover when the winger cuts inside
• Join midfield when building from the back

Key attribute: Stamina - they cover the most ground

Holding Midfielder (Number 6)

The anchor of the team:

• Sits in front of the defence
• Receives the ball from defenders
• Distributes to attackers
• Covers when full-backs push high
• First pressing trigger when ball is lost

Key attribute: Positional awareness

Two 8s (Box-to-Box Midfielders)

The engine room:

• Support attacks and track back
• Arrive late in the box for goals
• Create overloads with wingers
• Press opposition midfielders

Key attribute: Work rate and football intelligence

Wingers

Width and creativity:

• Stay wide to stretch the defence
• Cut inside to shoot or combine
• Track opposition full-backs
• First line of the press

Key attribute: Pace and dribbling

Centre-Forward (Number 9)

The focal point:

• Hold up play to bring others in
• Make runs behind the defence
• Finish chances
• Press opposition centre-backs

Key attribute: Movement and finishing

Strengths of the 4-3-3

1. Width in attack - Wingers stretch defences
2. Pressing power - Natural shape for high press
3. Flexible midfield - Can be defensive or attacking
4. Clear structure - Easy for players to understand
5. Transitions - Quick counters through wide areas

Weaknesses of the 4-3-3

1. Midfield can be overrun - Against 3-man midfields
2. Full-backs exposed - When caught high up the pitch
3. Central isolation - Striker can be alone if wingers don't support
4. Requires fit full-backs - Physical demands are high

When to Use the 4-3-3

Good against:

• Teams that play narrow
• Teams that sit deep (width creates angles)
• 4-4-2 (creates midfield superiority)

Challenging against:

• 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 (midfield outnumbered)
• Teams that overload wide areas

Coaching the 4-3-3

Building from the Back

• Centre-backs split wide
• Holding mid drops between them
• Full-backs push high
• Creates 3v2 against most pressing systems

Pressing Triggers

• Striker presses when ball goes to one centre-back
• Near-side winger blocks the full-back pass
• Far-side winger tucks in centrally
• Midfielders step up aggressively

Transitions

• Ball won high: Immediate attack through wingers
• Ball won deep: Play out through holding mid

Example Session: 4-3-3 Pressing

Setup: Half pitch, 11v7 (full team vs 4 defenders + 3 midfielders)

How it works:

• Team of 7 builds from the back
• Team of 11 in 4-3-3 presses
• If ball is won, attack immediately
• If build-up succeeds past halfway, restart

Coaching points:

• Striker dictates the press
• Compactness between lines
• Win it high, attack fast

Key Takeaway

The 4-3-3 is a great formation for teams that want to attack and press, but it requires fit, intelligent players - especially in the full-back and midfield positions. Start with the basics and add complexity as players understand their roles.