Reed17The red team is the 4-4-2 diamond defense team. This type of denfensive formation is typical in high school teams. The graph shows how the formation lines up with your common 4-4-2 formations. As you can see, the defense focuses on using the offsides trap and pushing the play up field. They move as a unit. (Example: right mid takes the ball down the wing, the left fullback pressures the ball while the stopper comes in from the side to prevent a pass and help the fullback if needed. The sweeper steps over diagnally to prevent a through ball and try to play the offsides tactic. The right fullback will then come in towards the middle of the box to pick up any crosses or for support.)
This formation also relies on a strong midfield with good stamina. There is usually a good bit of space between the defense diamond and midfield line so it is important that the mids can drop back to give the defense support and still have enough stamina left to take the ball up field and play offense. The outside mids are especially crucial to the defensive play. They block and recieve crosses, give the defense an "up and out" pass, and prevent the other team's mids from getting down field.
That is the 4-4-2 diamond defense.
05.02.2011
malcontentjakethat "stopper-sweeper" system is so common here in the USA and I can't stand it. I've played centerback most of my life and would really just prefer to play side-by-side and leave either of the two with the ability to "step up" and have the other "drop off" to provide deep cover if the need arises. Having both play equally deep also liberalizes things for the fullbacks, who can push forward a bit more aggressively and take advantage of space on the wings.
I think the reason this is "diamond" defense is so common is because at the youth and recreational levels in the USA the defensive midfielder is rare. A good CDM is often the key position on a team, and actually does what a stopper does except with far more freedom to push forward.
What you get is essentially a 5-man "W" shaped defense which provides a solid foundation for whatever attacking shape you want to use. And at any given moment at least two of the three among the fullbacks and CDM can push forward into the attack and still leave 3 defenders for coverage.
06.02.2011
