4-3-3 formation playing a 4-4-2 through the Thirds

When we have possession and the ball is in the defensive third, this would be a rough picture of what would happen....

DEFENSIVE THIRD

We would OUTNUMBER the opposition 4 v 2

- however if we encourage the keeper to play as a sweeper keeper, this becomes a 5 v 2.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS: 

- The opposition just have their strikers up..... 4 v 2 to us (5v2 with sweeper/keeper)

- The opposition push their wingers up who mark our wing backs 4 v 4 or (5 v 4 with our S/K)

- The opposition push their wingers up who mark our wing backs BUT this time are spare man in midfield which usually will be a DM will drop back creating a (5 v 4) or with keeper (6 v 4)

(not pictured) .... the CBs would normally split to around corners of 18YARD box to stretch the oppositions strikers which would leave SPACE for OUR DM to run into and receive the ball.

- NOTE the opposition should NEVER push their CMs that far forward as in theory they should be pinned back MARKING our two CMs

SUMMARY:

- If played correctly and players are comfortable with the ball, when playing this type of system the ball should NEVER be lost in the DEFENSIVE THIRD.

- The ball would remain in possession and can then be either carried/played into the next third comfortably. Or if you will, play keep ball and wear out the the oppositions legs by simply passing it about.

MIDDLE THIRD

So we now have progressed into the middle third with the ball. From here our wingers (RW + LW) would push up into the final third HOPEFULLY in theory dragging the oppositions full backs with them as pictured below (by the wingers DOING THIS it should take the oppositions full backs with them, to create more room for us in the middle) ....

Now the picture shows an example that the DM received the ball from the defensive third and progressed into the middle third via dribbling.

Which has triggered the wingers to now attack (push HIGH AND WIDE) 

- as we are now attacking we must follow attacking principles of creating (width, length and depth)

So as it stands IF the oppositions wingers had pushed up to mark our wing backs there would now be an overload of a simple ( 3 v 2 ) in OUR FAVOUR.

However if the oppositions wingers DID NOT push up this would cause a overload for the opposition of a ( 5 v 3) BUT as we are attacking! and were using wing backs. (Wing-back - WINGERS)

They should be on their toes and be attacking 'wide' CAUSING WIDTH and be in the middle third. Thus giving us an overload of ( 5 v 4 ) 

SUMMARY:

Again like the defensive third. If done correctly playing this type of system should cause and create an overload in OUR FAVOUR so with players good on the ball and at their feet. Keeping possession with passing and moving and communication. Progressing into the final third shouldn't be a problem.

ATTACKING THIRD

Now we progress to the final third. Where our two CM's would push on up, and with our DM sitting just outside the attacking third, plays a kinda screening role. ie when play is getting hectic or the ball is lost, his job is to win it back and keep the opposition pinned back or to relieve the pressure by receiving the ball and switching it to the other flank.

Again with movement, and a well drilled side, our CM's can split and stretch the oppositions midfield dragging both their CM's with them which leaves a hole for the DM to potentially run into and exploit.

Now we move onto wing backs, with the 4/3/3 the CF will normally always have two CB's marking him, and thus playing it long upto him is rarely gonna be profitable and playing through the thirds is the best way to use the attacking points of the 4/3/3. When the ball reaches the attacking third, the wingers (RW + LW) can push in, and create a overload of ( 3 attackers to 2 CB's in the middle) however as this is happening, the wing backs need to push up (as shown) and create WIDTH to either produce an overlap, be an outfield ball, or to drag out the oppositions full backs and make space for movement in the middle ie, runs, blind side runs, through balls, shots etc.