The shape
A diamond. The defender stands in front of the goal area, the two midfielders are wide of them around the halfway line, and the forward is at the top near the opposition goal. With the ball the midfielders push to the touchline and the diamond stretches, giving the defender two options and the forward a cross from each side. Without the ball the midfielders tuck in towards the defender to form a tight triangle, and the forward stays high for a clearance.
Roles
- Goalkeeper. Rolls or passes goal kicks to the defender or a midfielder while the opposition are behind the retreat line. Can act as a fifth outfield player when the team keeps the ball.
- Defender. Stays between the ball and the goal. Passes to a midfielder every time rather than dribbling out, and tells the keeper when to come.
- Midfielders. Give the width and do most of the running. Each defends their own side and attacks when the ball comes to them, swapping sides every few minutes.
- Forward. Stays high and central so the defender always has a long option. Scores goals and presses the opposition defender when they have the ball.
Strengths
- Everyone is near a team-mate, so there is always a pass on.
- Four distinct positions, which makes rotation easy to explain.
- Natural triangles for very young players to pass in.
Weaknesses
- One defender against two forwards if the midfielders are caught high.
- Midfielders run the most and tire quickly.
- The forward is left out if the midfielders keep dribbling.
When to use it
The default shape for U7 and U8, and the right one to start with. Rotate every player through all four positions across a match or a month, including the goalkeeper. Results are irrelevant here: the questions are whether each child got lots of touches and had a go at attacking and defending.
What to coach in training
- Play 3v1 in a small square where the three must make four passes, then open the square into a diamond when the ball is won. It links the rondo to the game shape.
- Set up a goal kick routine: keeper to defender behind the retreat line, defender to a midfielder, midfielder has a go. Rehearse it, then use it in every match.
- Finish with a game where only the forward can score for the first five minutes, then only a midfielder, so children learn where each position goes.
Works well against
It copes with 1-1-2 and 2-1-1 well, because your two midfielders outnumber their single midfielder and the defender always has help. It is a good even contest against 2-2. It can be stretched by 1-3, which puts three players against your two midfielders and one defender, so the forward must come back to help.
