Playing the 4-2-3-1 System

with Marcus Wood, Hardin-Simmons University Head Women's Soccer Coach; 2010 NCAA D-III National Champions; 2010 NSCA National Coach of the Year; ranks third all-time among NCAA women's soccer coaches at all levels in career winning percentage (.868); 8x American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year; 11x American Southwest Conference champions (including 10 in a row); over 230 career wins; NCAA Record 145 game conference unbeaten streak

Develop the key techniques and tactics needed to support a reliable system of play.

Defensively, it allows you to stay organized and compact. Offensively, it allows you to keep numbers around the ball and maintain possession.

Because it provides defensive stability while still allowing your team to attack aggressively, the 4-2-3-1 is widely used throughout the word. Top-level clubs like Barcelona rely on this system to consistently dominate their opposition.

Using bulleted coaching points, game footage, tactical chalkboard study and in-depth analysis, Coach Wood breaks down each vital component of successful soccer play using the 1-4-2-3-1 system. Key coaching points include:

training players to recognize the proper visual cues defensively and offensively

showing players how to choose the best type of run on the attack

developing player skills appropriate for each position

Coach Wood pays special attention to each required skill and shows them in action through game play. All 11 positions are technically and tactically reviewed to help you know when and how to apply the appropriate coaching points. You'll also learn how to use this information to develop player skills that are appropriate for each position, In addition to the wealth of knowledge and detail provided by Wood, all coaching points and techniques are displayed in a format that will allow you to share the information with your players.
The 1-4-2-3-1 system may sound complex, but with Coach Wood's tips and tactics you and your players will be able to play in this formation with confidence. 73 minutes. 2013.

Defeating the 3-5-2 with the 4-2-3-1

with Marcus Wood, Hardin-Simmons University Head Women's Soccer Coach; 2010 NCAA D-III National Champions; 2010 NSCA National Coach of the Year; ranks third all-time among NCAA women's soccer coaches at all levels in career winning percentage (.868); 8x American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year; 11x American Southwest Conference champions (including 10 in a row); over 230 career wins; NCAA Record 145 game conference unbeaten streak

A difficult match-up for the 4-2-3-1 is the 3-5-2 strategy. Because of its tactical fluidity, the 3-5-2 can cause problems for teams unprepared to adapt to its many looks. The 3-5-2 can quickly transform from an Italian-style catenaccio into a numbers-up attack, confusing opponents. Tactical differences make the 3-5-2 especially difficult for the 4-2-3-1 to manage and overcome. NCAA championship coach Marcus Wood provides you with the know-how to make sure your team won't get caught on the transition against the 3-5-2.

Using whiteboard tactics and match-day analysis, Coach Wood breaks apart the key components of the 3-5-2, its advantages and weaknesses, and how to attack its vulnerabilities. All of the key technical and tactical coaching points are highlighted, including:

identifying cues that will help your team exploit the opposing defense

changing the point of attack to find penetrating passes

using your outside backs to get numerical advantage in the final third

exploiting the spaces behind the defense and in the flanks

training your outside backs to make good tactical decisions

In addition, you'll see game footage of the formations as they're played against each other. Your players will see how to defend when the ball is in different areas of the field and also how to attack from different areas.
When the 4-2-3-1 formation is run properly, you're able to get in behind the opposition's defense and your team will be more likely to beat the 3-5-2. See how to move the opponent side-to-side with high quality passing and how to create open space. Good passing and first touches will lead to getting past the defenders or midfielders, and put your team in a numbers up attack toward goal.

Become a better tactician when playing against the 3-5-2 formation. By seeing the variations that the opponent can run, you will be able to identify and counter any adjustments they make. 42 minutes. 2013.