The 4-3-3 has a good balance but requires the correct types of players. This system can at times lose mid-field ball control – if faced with a solid four player mid-field. The four backs can play flat or with a sweeper/man-marker and they may look to play longer balls directly to any of the three forwards. Having three forwards enables you to apply high pressure to the opposing defense and also gives you the ability to more naturally “frame the goal” with runs to near post, far post, and the slot.

KEEPER: The keeper must have good technique in handling, shot stopping and distribution. Must be confident in closing down angles and have the ability to play with either foot. The keeper must have good communication skills.

DEFENDERS: Right fullback will be dominantly right footed. Left fullback will be dominantly left footed. The fullbacks must also be technically sound in heading, receiving and passing. Their passing range will be both short and long. The fullbacks must also be good tacklers of the ball with the ability to play out of the back. They must also have a physical presence on the field with good communication skills. Defenders need stamina for defensive marking purposes as well as providing constant support to the midfield and timely overlapping runs out of the back.

CENTER BACKS: Central defenders are typically larger in size and need to be physically dominating. They should be outstanding in the air, but must also be comfortable with the ball at their feet. Their passing range will be both short and long and usually diagonal in direction. Center backs must communicate but also motivate all team members. In alignment they can play either flat or with sweeper/man marking role. They will also have to push forward in support and sweep behind the three midfielders.

MIDFIELDERS: With only three across the middle these players must keep width and depth – while at times being outnumbered. They must be technically sound at heading, receiving and passing and must not be predictable in their play. They need good stamina and solid tackling. Look for good communication, change of pace and team leaders if playing this system.

FORWARDS: Having three forwards can give you a wealth of attacking width and depth – if the work rate is there. All three must be technically sound in their heading, receiving and passing and should be excellent judges of where a ball may land. All three forwards must have a good change of pace and the ability to shoot with either foot. Because of the extra forward, all must understand how to create space whilst playing this system. Against a flat-back four defense, all three forwards can’t stay up high and wait for long ball service. One forward may need to play lower in the midfield, in front of the defense, in order to play a target / ball winner / distributor role. Again, all three should work extra hard to regain possession in the final third – as this will often create many of the best goal scoring chances.