u/Interesting_Day_3526

https://imgur.com/a/cWXS2fG

First picture in the link is attacking and then defensive formation. The colored ones show areas they players are expected to be in most cases. The third is attacking formation patterns then last defensive formation patterns. Any advice on those last two would be greatly appreciated as I only based them off what I've learned so far and am prolly missing a ton of info and possibly just wrong. Thanks again!

Long story short my son (14) started soccer about a year ago and has really put his all into it. I never played the sport enough to know like the actual game just the in person versions in school when I'll was young. I've spent s lot of time researching drills proper techniques strategy and anything else I can to the point I've become an assistant coach. My skillset is more the ability to teach in ways the kids understand than in any practical experience with the game. We have been running 442 all season but my son and i have been experimenting with a slight variant and was hoping you all with more experience could provide insight tips thoughts and corrections before I present it to the coach.

I'll briefly summarize my thought process and strategy, forgive my poor and not exact diagrams but I like to hand write and draw all the stuff it helps me retain it better.

The 4132-

Roles-

Center Backs/Full Backs-

The centerbacks focus on marking opponent attacke4s while the fullbacks provide width and support while out of possession while in possession the center backs stay nearer the goal but the left and right full backs are free to push down field some to cover the open space when the forwards and mid fielders go in for the attack.

Defensive Midfielder- acts as a pivot and link between the defensive line and the midfielders, breaks opponents attacks before they get to the defensive line, initiates plays when the ball is in their end allowing the defensive line to stay back further and or compact. Shields the defensive line when not in possession stalling or slowing the opponents attackers while the center/full backs get into position.

One of my least favorite parts of a 442 is that if not done properly the opponent can get in behind the midfielders if there's too much space between midfielders and defensive line and if they're not prepared for that attack or get overwhelmed the opponent can easily take control in that zone. The defensive midfielder solves that problem I think by being there to go after the opponent ball carrier first and foremost throwing a wrench in their plays before they go for a goal.

Mid Fieders- they will control the games tempo and distribute the ball and support plays and attacks. The center midfielder would play back a bit from the left right mid fielders in order to lead the rear of the attack with late runs, while also allowing a possible 4 2 defensive approach if the team is caught off guard/looses possession.

(Side not idk how well this would work in practice or if its a good idea but the def mid and center mid can pull a swap, where if the def mid has a good run available he can give a signal etc and the center mid will drop back to cover the def mids spot until he returns. I've noticed a lot of teams get very throw off when through out the game the players dont stay in their starting zones or follow normal play styles. Would appreciate input here)

Forwards- focus on scoring, making runs, and pressing opponents defense.

In possession- the idea is basically quick ball movement, good forward positioning, and midfield support on the attack. Overloading where they're weak and changing the points of attacks frequently. With the def midfielder the other midfielders can support the attack without leaving the back as vulnerable. Midfielders should be ready to join the attack in the final third of the pitch, providing options to the forwards and numerical advantage in most cases. Overload one side to open gaps to exploit.

The space left out wide by the narrow midfield can be filled by full backs who provide attacking width and play balls in behind the opponents def. Meanwhile the def support offered by the def mid give more freedom to the 5 attacking players ahead.

Out of possession-

Focuses on quickly regaining possession, pressing, and quick transitions. Back line should maintain a staggered line to cover both central and wide areas while midfielders track back to support the defenders. Forwards initiate a press, targeting the goalkeeper and defenders to limit their passing options, while midfielders close down spaces. When possession is lost quickly regroup to apply pressure and win back the ball. Keep enough players behind the ball to properly defend against counter attacks and make sure to support the def mid to avoid a vulnerable central area.

Stretch the opponents def, wingers going wide to draw out defenders. When going from def to attack focus on playing through the wide areas with diagonal passing and fast 1 2 combos.

When counter attacking exploit the opponents weakness during their transition and move the ball forward rapidly catching them off guard.

Midfielders support the attack with late runs.

That's the jist I know its long but I appreciate any help yall. See attached diagrams in comments below.