Glossary Category: Formations

What is a Formation in Football?

A formation is the selection and arrangement of players on the pitch at the start of a football match. It forms the basis for a team's tactical approach and playing system.

Why is a Formation Important?

The formation is the foundation of a coach's tactical strategy. It not only determines the basic formation and player roles but also significantly influences the playing style, stability in defense, and creativity in attack. A well-chosen formation can optimally utilize a team's strengths and exploit the opponent's weaknesses.

What to look for in your analysis:

  • Compare the nominal lineup with the actual basic formation on the pitch.
  • Observe how the formation dynamically changes during the game, especially during changes in possession.
  • Analyze whether player roles and the chosen formation optimally suit the strengths of the players involved.
  • Check which spaces the formation opens or closes and how the opponent reacts to it.

What are Formations in football?

A formation (or basic order) describes the tactical setup of a team's players on the pitch. It's usually indicated by numbers from defense to attack, e.g., 4-4-2.

Warum sind Formationen wichtig?

The formation forms the tactical foundation of a team, defining the basic distribution of players and their primary roles. It's crucial for stability in defense and structure in attack. However, modern formations aren't rigid; they change dynamically depending on the phase of play (with or against the ball).

What to look for in your analysis:

  • Does the actual formation on the pitch match the nominal lineup?
  • How does the formation behave with opponent possession compared to your own possession?
  • Does the formation create gaps or numerical advantages in certain zones?
  • How well do the player types fit the demands of their positions within the formation?