By OkayGoal 
The 4-3-3 formation has stood the test of time with teams like Manchester City, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), the Portland Thorns, and Chelsea dominating with this classic setup. Read on to learn why this 4-3-3 dominates women’s soccer.
A 4-3-3 is a popular soccer formation used in 11v11 games. This means there are four defenders, three midfielders, and three forward players.
When you explain formations, start from the defensive line going forward and exclude the goalie (there is always only 1).
What are the advantages of a 4-3-3?
On the tactical end, the 4-3-3 is so popular because of the flexibility it provides for particular roles. It allows for dynamic runs and switches so players can always be involved and make creative plays, no matter where they are on the field. The 4-3-3 can also give a team control over the center of the pitch, which benefits the team on both sides of the ball.
In addition, this formation offers aggressive attacking opportunities, making it the go-to formation for many women’s soccer teams. Three attackers up top tends to be a dominating move because it grants the ability for a quick and high press, forcing teams to play more defensively. This is especially true if those attackers are quick and willing to pick the pocket of the opposing defense.
The key to this shape is having versatile and skilled midfielders — some may play this shape with those three across the width of the field, but more often it is played with more of a triangle in the midfield, while the outside backs and forwards combine to fill in the wings. The triangle in the midfield can be played with two holding and one attacking player or vice versa.
The four across the back give a strong core to protect the net, while options abound if they are looking for an outlet.
Why is the 4-3-3 so popular in Women’s Soccer?
The 4-3-3 is not a “one size fits all” approach, making it popular for many teams with varying strategies.
This is an extremely balanced formation that can adapt on the fly to fill gaps on the field. This shape grants opportunities in possession and minimizes risk in the middle of the field. It naturally creates angles and triangles with players occupying different levels of depth. This is ideal for keeping possession and expanding into an attack towards the other team’s half.
Who plays a 4-3-3?
The USWNT often plays in this shape, as have NWSL teams like the Portland Thorns, San Diego Wave, and Gotham FC.
What are the drawbacks of a 4-3-3?
This positioning can prove difficult if players lack mobility and/or fitness, especially in the midfield. This shape often requires strong central midfield players to anchor the possession-based game.
Furthermore, a strong opposing team can find gaps if the central players aren’t doing work on both sides of the ball. Additionally, if the backline of four is too flat, a ball into the space behind the defensive line is dangerous.
In Summary
Ultimately, each soccer team opts for different formations based on the talent available and player strengths; however, the 4-3-3 has stood the test of time in women’s soccer due to its adaptability and stability in the midfield.
Image via Getty Images
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