11-a-side formation
4-3-3 — Modern Possession & Pressing
A back four, a midfield three (one holding and two advanced) and three forwards. The most common modern formation for possession and pressing.
Tap a player to see their role.
RW
Winger
Holds width and attacks the back post.
With the ball
- Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1.
- Cut inside onto your stronger foot or go down the line to cross.
- Attack the back post when the ball is on the other side.
Without the ball
- Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
- Block passes into the opposition's wide midfielder.
- Sprint back to help if the full-back is caught 2v1.
Ideal player
Fast and confident 1v1 · Good end product · Willing to track back
At a glance
- Ages
- U13 to adult
- Best for
- Teams who want to build from the back and press high.
- Struggles against
- A 4-2-3-1 whose number 10 finds space either side of your holding midfielder.
Strengths
- Triangles across the pitch for passing.
- Three forwards press high.
- The holding midfielder protects the defence.
- Width from wingers and full-backs.
Weaknesses
- The holding midfielder can be overloaded.
- Full-backs pushing on leaves space behind.
- Wingers must defend or the full-backs get exposed 2v1.
How to fix the weaknesses
- One central midfielder drops next to the holder when defending.
- Only one full-back attacks at a time.
- Wingers track the opposition full-backs.
Players who suit this formation
- Holding midfielder: disciplined and a good passer.
- Wingers: quick and direct.
- Full-backs: very fit, can attack and defend.
- Striker: leads the press and finishes.
Position-by-position roles
GK — Goalkeeper
Plays out to split centre-backs and covers space behind a high line.
With the ball: Offer a safe back-pass option by moving to the side of the goal the ball is on. Without: Start high enough to sweep balls played in behind the defence.
LB — Full-back
Gives width when the winger comes inside.
With the ball: Give width early so the winger can come inside. Without: Tuck in towards the centre-back when the ball is on the far side.
LCB — Centre-back
Splits wide to build play and steps into midfield.
With the ball: Split wide when the keeper has the ball to create a passing angle. Without: Protect the space behind before stepping to win the ball.
RCB — Centre-back
Covers behind and plays forward passes.
With the ball: Split wide when the keeper has the ball to create a passing angle. Without: Protect the space behind before stepping to win the ball.
RB — Full-back
Overlaps the winger and recovers quickly.
With the ball: Give width early so the winger can come inside. Without: Tuck in towards the centre-back when the ball is on the far side.
DM — Holding midfielder
Shows for the ball, screens the defence and switches play.
With the ball: Show for the ball between or just in front of the centre-backs. Without: Screen passes into the opposition striker's feet.
LCM — Central midfielder
Links with the left side and makes late runs into the box.
With the ball: Receive on the half-turn so you can play forward. Without: Press the opposition midfielder nearest you as soon as they receive.
RCM — Central midfielder
Links with the right side and presses the opposition midfield.
With the ball: Receive on the half-turn so you can play forward. Without: Press the opposition midfielder nearest you as soon as they receive.
LW — Winger
Attacks 1v1, cuts in to shoot or crosses.
With the ball: Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1. Without: Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
ST — Striker
Leads the press and finishes chances.
With the ball: Run in behind to push the defence back, or drop in to link play. Without: Press the centre-back on the ball and curve your run to cut off one side.
RW — Winger
Holds width and attacks the back post.
With the ball: Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1. Without: Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
Coaching tip
Practise building through thirds — keeper to centre-backs to holder to midfield.
FAQs
What are the strengths of the 4-3-3 in 11-a-side?
Triangles across the pitch for passing. Three forwards press high. The holding midfielder protects the defence. Width from wingers and full-backs.
What are the weaknesses of the 4-3-3?
The holding midfielder can be overloaded. Full-backs pushing on leaves space behind. Wingers must defend or the full-backs get exposed 2v1.
How do you fix the 4-3-3's weaknesses?
One central midfielder drops next to the holder when defending. Only one full-back attacks at a time. Wingers track the opposition full-backs.
What players suit a 4-3-3?
Holding midfielder: disciplined and a good passer. Wingers: quick and direct. Full-backs: very fit, can attack and defend. Striker: leads the press and finishes.
What beats a 4-3-3?
A 4-2-3-1 whose number 10 finds space either side of your holding midfielder.