• Each player should have specific responsibilities.
• Players must be able to switch from defense to offense very quickly.
• If needed, players can switch positions and adjust tactically, creating variations within a system.
• It’s the PLAYERS that win games, not the system.

• Both wing players are already in place providing natural width and balanced attacking.  With the addition of the center forward the three attackers are already in scoring position every time the ball is won.
• Having three forwards allows the team to apply pressure on the ball immediately after losing possession in the attacking third of the field.  It also allows a team to play very direct (i.e. straight to goal) because there are three options up top vs. having only one or two.  For this reason, it’s a good system if your team is down a goal and needs to create scoring opportunities in the attacking third.  Also, it is effective when playing a team that lacks longer service out of the back or has a particularly weak defender, because pressure will constantly be placed on this particular player, who will more than likely turn the ball over.
• This system does not allow opponents room to change the point of attack out of the back, forcing a direct style of play.  This makes it predictable for the midfield and defense to intercept balls played forward by the opposing team.
• Most teams will play with four defenders vs. a three-front system, taking one more player out of their attack.
• By utilizing three forwards, a coach can play a less fit player or a slower player up top.  This is a less taxing system on the forwards.  Using a two front system, both players must be fit and quick.
• Having four defenders still provides a balanced defense that can handle three opposing attackers without having to adjust to lower numbers up front.

• By using only three midfielders, a coach must be sure the players are quite mobile and are able to cove a lot of ground.  Problems could occur in the covering of space and the midfielder’s ability to press forward in the attack because of being outnumbered in the midfield.
• Loss of flexibility up top and in the midfield by establishing definite positions with three forwards. Becomes predictable to defend if they lack mobility.
• A very easy system for the other team to recognize; three players up top can be bypassed by one forward pass of the opponent’s defense, leaving only seven players to defend.

• Having four midfielders creates a more balanced attack, and a more unpredictable attack because now seven players can be involved in the attacking third at any given time.
• The ability to press the ball in the attacking third, once it is lost, is increased because numbers are more than likely even in the midfield.
• Increased chance of winning balls in the midfield because now an extra defender has been pushed up from the back into the midfield third.

• By using only three defenders, a coach must bake sure these players are quite fit and fast, with the ability to cover a lot of ground and win balls in the air. There is not as much room for error with only three defenders.
• Loss of the ability to attack out of the back third because of a lack of width. Also players must become conservative with service and decisions on when to push forward because of a lack of numbers in the defensive third.
• Loss of ability to change the point of attack out of the back; the midfield must now do this.
• Become very susceptible to long driven balls and diagonal balls served over the midfield because of the spacing behind the outside midfielders. This is especially true if the team is playing man to man with a sweeper in the back because of the other teams ability to manipulate the defense to one side and open up space on the opposite wing.
• Seven players can be bypassed by one pass from the opponent when pressure is lacking on the ball.

• The midfield is strengthened by one more player and the entire system is more defensively oriented than a three front system.
• Defenders have opportunities to join the attack with less defensive responsibilities because of increased numbers in the back and midfield.
• The ability to change the point of attack out of the back and in the midfield, making the team unpredictable to defend and successfully press.
• Flanks are very active, attacking opportunities by overlapping outside defenders, penetrating on the dribble by outside midfielders, or penetrating runs by two target players or a central midfielder all add to the possible attacking options.
• Much more space in the attacking third allows for increased mobility out of the two target players, and midfielders have room to push forward.
• Two target players can manipulate the opposing team’s defense by compacting them centrally by serving as double targets in front of the opponent’s goal.
• There are consistently eight field players behind the ball denying penetration.
• Very easy system for players to keep their shape.

• The two outside defensive positions are not constantly covered (on the opponents team), allowing for quick counterattacks from the opponents outside defenders. This requires much more defensive responsibilities for the outside midfielders and often they can be faced with a 2 v 1 situation.
• Opponents have more space to change the point of attack out of their defensive third and more time to serve balls over the midfield into your defensive third.
• You have a numbers-down situation in the midfield, when the opposing team commits and extra player into the midfield on attack.
• Target players can be pressed too far forward and find themselves isolated from teammates.

• A very confusing system for the opposing team to break down in the midfield.
• Immediate pressure is placed on the ball when the opposing team tries to play through the midfield.
• Ability to cover a lot of space in the midfield and press players forward into the attack.
• Transition from defense to attack is quicker because of numbers in the midfield.
• Constant and close support to the two forwards from the three central players.
• Ability to force opponent centrally into a crowded and heavily defended area by having two wide forwards.
• The system is very flexible and allows various players to attack and defend at different times.

• A lot of defensive responsibility is put on your outside midfielders because of the large space behind the outside backs.
• Lack of pressure on the ball in the attacking third can result in one pass that will bypass five midfielders and leave three defenders isolated.
• Roles in the midfield can be confusing as to marking responsibilities; communication is a must.
• Lack of space in the midfield can crowd players and stifle creativity once the ball is won.
• Having only three defenders requires them to penetrate by passing and not on the dribble.