DEFENSE
The defensiveline of this formation in soccer will consist of four players spreadout across the defensive line with two Center Backs and two OutsideBacks (RB & LB).
Center Backs should be tall, strong and very good in the air.
Theywill have to be great at defending in 1v1 situations and their verbalcommunication needs to be at its best because they are the backbone ofdefense and last two players in front of the goalie.
Communication will ensure that all empty space is closed down and that defensive line steps up in sync for offside traps.
Backline can be quickly converted into an even more defensive formation byplaying with a Sweeper role, meaning one CB playing 5 - 10 YDS/M behindthe other CB.
Sweeper will be the player that reads the gamebetter and he will have the advantage of doubling up on any player orplay since he is positioned behind the defensive line.
OutsideBacks (RB & LB) will also have to be good at stoping players in 1v1situation. Outside players are usually quick and agile.
Thissystem of play will not require Outside Backs (RB & LB) to go up thefield for support, instead they will go up to the half way line andhold their position there allowing the Outside Midfield players to takeside of the field during attack.
MIDFIELD
This soccer formation strength lies in the midfield.
Unlikeother formations, this system of play attacks with possession of theball and short passing therefore midfield players need to have greatball handling skills and strong passing ability.
They will wantto move the ball around and make the opponent chase the ball whilegetting closer and closer to the the opponents penalty box with simplepasses.
Defensive Midfield players are also called HoldingMidfielders and their job is to control the center of the field bydisrupting the opponents attack and also connecting the defense withoffense by being the start of most attacks.
4-5-1 soccer formation Defensive Midfielders need to be DESTROYERS on the team.
They have to be good in the air, great at defending 1v1 and have the ability to read the game very good.
Defensive midfield players are strong and physical players not afraid to go for loose balls and tackle hard.
Theyneed solid passing skills and the ability to stay calm when the ball ispassed to them because they will act as connectors between defense andattack.
Their job is to protect the defense and stop the attack before it reaches the Center Backs.
CenterMidfield players or Attacking Midfield Players in this soccer formationneed to be in great conditioning shape because of constantly running upto the field for support to Lone Attacker and than quickly running backto form the 5 midfield defense when the ball possession changes.
Playersin this position will have great vision of the field, read the gamewell, great ball control, exceptional passing and quick decision makingskills.
Players suited for this position will often be the ones that get most touches on the ball during practice.
Thisplayer will want the ball most out of everyone else on the field andwill somehow find the space to receive the ball most during practice.
Having a good shot from distance and playing with both feet is a big plus.
Players in this position will move from their own penalty box to their opponents penalty box.
OutsideMidfield players (RM & LM) will share the same qualities as theCenter Midfield or Attacking Midfield players mentioned above.
Sincethis formation does not attack from the sides but instead builds theattack through short passing and out numbering the opponent, OutsideMidfield players do not need to be quick and agile but instead they needto know how to shield the ball and make quick decisions in passing thesoccer ball.
These players will favor to playing with their strong foot.
FORWARD
4-5-1soccer formation is a more defensive formation and the lone forward hasreally small chances on taking on defenders and scoring since he isgreatly outnumbered.
Forward player in 4-5-1 soccer formationneeds to be preferably big and strong point man that will win air ballsand shield the ball waiting for the midfield to join.
He will be the type of player that needs only one chance to score and is very hard to take the ball from.
Hisjob will be to receive the ball and be able to guard it against minimumof two defenders for 10 to 15 seconds or until the midfield shows upfor support.
ATTACKING with 4-5-1 SOCCER FORMATION
I hope you have a little better understanding of this soccer formation after reading this article.
