Section 3

Balanced Tactics

4-4-2


4-4-2 is the most common balanced formation in the modern football. Every position covers at least one more player using zonal marking. A hard-working midfield is required in order to support both your attack from the flanks and your defense from the center. Full backs can join the midfield in order to give space and exploit a hit on the break using your wide midfielders pace. A shot passing style should work as ball possession is vital. 4-4-2 can be played with or without counter attack orders, depending on your opponent's squad skills. Feel free to tweak 4-4-2 into a 4-4-1-1 with an AMC joining the midfield instead of being deep into your opponent's defense.

4-4-2 Diamond


4-4-2 Diamond or 4-1-2-1-2, is a popular tweak over the original 4-4-2. On this edition your defense line remains strait, two MCs are placed at the center of the pitch, one DMC to cover and connect your defense with the midfield playing as a deeper play maker, one AMC employed as "10" for forward runs and drilling balls towards your STs, to crack your opponent's defense. Diamond formation is a very effective attacking mentality formation but requires players with grate pace both on defense and attack especially from the flanks. Can be deployed with counter attack orders and always with pressing on your own half otherwise your players will tire up soon before the final whistle blows.

4-4-2 Christmas Tree


Christmas tree looks funny on your board but can be very effective and difficult to crack down. It's similar to the 4-4-2 Diamond formation but instead of the DMC you use another one AMC with red arrows to join your lone ST from the back. The flanks gap in defense and midfield can be covered by attacking full backs. A whole pitch pressure could be effective using short passing. Attack both from the flanks and center of the pitch. Again players with great pace are required. If possible you can also use the offside trap.