The shape
Three centre backs across the top of the circle with a wing back either side who can drop into a flat five or push on to halfway. A midfield three in front with the centre half in the middle, and two forwards splitting the opposing centre backs. Without the ball it is five across the top of the D and three ten metres in front, leaving very little room in the circle. With the ball the wing backs push on and it opens into a 3-5-2.
Roles
- Goalkeeper. Less sweeping behind a five, more organising. Calls who marks whom and takes the long outlet when the press is on.
- Wing backs (left back and right back). Drop into the five to defend, push to halfway to attack, and double up on the wide forwards.
- Three centre backs. Mark the two forwards and keep a spare, who steps onto the ball carrier at the top of the circle while the others hold.
- Centre half. Sits in front of the three and keeps the ball moving. First clearance target on penalty corners and the player who starts the counter.
- Left half and right half. Work the channels between wing back and forward, shut the inside passing lane and run beyond the forwards on the break.
- Two forwards. Stay high and central so the counter is quick. One takes the ball to the baseline, the other arrives at the penalty spot.
Strengths
- Very hard to score against from open play or the baseline.
- A spare centre back covers the aerial over the top.
- Fast counter with two forwards already high.
- Penalty corner defence is easy because so many defenders are already deep.
Weaknesses
- Light in attack if the wing backs do not push on.
- The midfield three can be pinned in their own half.
- Gives up possession, so the side must be comfortable without the ball.
- Becomes a back eight if the halves drop too deep.
When to use it
The shape for a side conceding too much, or for a match against a clearly stronger team. It suits a squad with lots of defenders and two quick forwards. Use it to protect a lead in the last quarter, in a cup game you need to draw, or with an under 12 side that keeps leaving the circle empty. Do not make it permanent with a developing group.
What to coach in training
- Circle defence with five and the goalkeeper against eight attackers who can only score inside the D: channel the carrier wide, block the pass to the penalty spot, clear to a wing back.
- Counter in three passes: win the ball at the top of your circle and have it in the opposition circle within three passes.
- Wing back decisions: a coach plays to the wing back on halfway, who reads where the opposing winger is and either carries on or passes and drops.
Works well against
At its best against a 3-4-3 or a 4-3-3 that attacks from wide, because the wing backs double up on the wide forwards and the three centre backs are never outnumbered. It also frustrates a 3-3-3-1 that wants to pass round the outside, since the circle stays crowded. A poor choice against a side that also sits deep, because the game stalls in midfield.
