The shape
A back four, three central midfielders, two attacking midfielders tucked in behind a single striker. Seen from above it narrows towards the top, which is where the name comes from. With the ball the full-backs provide the width and the two attacking midfielders play in the half-spaces either side of the striker. Without it the two drop level with the midfield three to make a tight 4-5-1 with no wide players.
Roles
- Goalkeeper. Has three central midfielders to pick out, or a long diagonal to a full-back when the middle is blocked.
- Full Backs. The width of the team. Push high when the ball is on their side and get back fast, because nobody in front of them is wide.
- Centre Backs. Comfortable with a holder in front. Deal with crosses from the free opposition full-backs, which is the shape's price.
- Holding Midfielder. Sits in front of the back four and screens, with two midfielders alongside to share the work.
- Two Central Midfielders. Either side of the holder. Shift wide to press the opposition full-backs and support their own full-back.
- Attacking Midfielders. Play narrow in the half-spaces behind the striker. Receive between the lines, run beyond the striker and press the opposition holding midfielder.
- Striker. Occupies the centre backs, holds the ball up for the two behind him and runs the channels when they have the ball.
Strengths
- Five central midfielders make it almost impossible to play through.
- The two attacking midfielders are a constant threat between the lines.
- Very compact when defending.
- Suits a squad with several good central players and no wingers.
Weaknesses
- Narrow, so the full-backs are the only width and tire quickly.
- Opposition full-backs are left free.
- The lone striker needs the two behind him to arrive quickly or he is swamped.
- Too complicated for younger age groups to hold.
When to use it
Use it when you have five central midfielders who are all better than your wide players, including two who like playing between the lines, and a striker who can hold the ball. It suits a narrow pitch and an opponent who plays through the middle. It is a shape for an experienced adult or older youth squad that understands pressing angles. Avoid it on a wide pitch or against quick wingers, where the full-backs will be overwhelmed.
What to coach in training
- An 8v8 game on a pitch no wider than the penalty area, so the tight combinations between the two attacking midfielders and the striker are rehearsed under pressure.
- Half-space pattern: holder to a central midfielder, who plays into an attacking midfielder on the half turn, who slides the striker in or sets for the other attacking midfielder running beyond.
- Shift and press: the coach plays to an opposition full-back and the near central midfielder, full-back and attacking midfielder press together while the rest slide across.
Works well against
It smothers a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 in the middle because five central players outnumber their two or three, and the attacking midfielders find space behind the midfield. It is most exposed against a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 with wing-backs who exploit the free wide areas, so against those drop a central midfielder to the touchline on the ball side.
