Our team is moving to a 3-man back line. We don't feel that threatened from the flanks in our league (quality service doesn't exactly come pouring in if a player gets top the endline a few times), and it suits our personnel and allows us to get another mid on the field (our strength), without sacrificing a forward. I am a center mid, typically in a holding / defensive mid role. What about my typical responsibilities in front of a four-man back line changes now that we have 3 back? My main concerns with the four man back line were (a) communicating with my stopper so we don't take the same space or double mark a runner and (b) covering for a fullback if he was caught forward. Now we won't have a stopper and no fullbacks coming forward. I'd like some discussion from the smart folks here on what I need to be thinking about as we implement this system. Thanks!
Your duties should not change, especially if you are the only holding midfielder. Normally 3-back systems have three centerbacks, no fullbacks. Your responsibility is the center and being well positioned to stop a counterattack when your team is attacking. The big change is with the wide players because depending on how you are organized, the wide players will probably have defensive responsibilty up and down the flanks.
yeah, you're gonna have to position yourself well to defend against any counter attacks. You'll also to be more careful on which players in the center you mark.
You should probably watch some videos of Ajax from the early 90's and keep an eye on Rijkaard. He was playing that position in the system your team is using.
I agree with what has been being said. Your resonsibilities should not change a whole lot, however you must be extremely conscious of when and when not to go forward. If you go forward and you or your team loses the ball, you will be extremely vulnerable to counter-attacks. My advice is to keep doing what your doing..continue watching teams and players who have played in this system, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
We had our first legit training session in the new formation last night. I played well with my fellow holding mid - and our defense and attack both worked really well. The presence of a new central defender who communicates really well and passes out of the back helped a lot. With the extra midfielder, I don't have to worry as much about getting forward and can really pick my spots. I like it!
I agree with the "your role shouldn't change" comments, but you need to help out the central defenders WHEN YOU CAN. Being in a holding role you pretty much do this anyway. Keep an eye out for the left/right mids if you're playing a back 3, they can be dragged back because they have to follow the other teams wingers and it can disrupt the teams formation. It's also a good idea to practice winning headers because a back 3 will always struggle with long balls.