TacticsPlayersGuides
    About UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsDisclaimer

    Built by someone who had too much extra time on their hands after FM 25 was cancelled

    A product by2nd Foundry2nd Foundry
    1. Home
    2. Tactics
    3. Control Possession 4-3-3 (Positive) Tactic

    Control Possession 4-3-3 (Positive) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-3-3 tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Control Possession
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-3-3
    Team Fluidity:Structured

    In Possession

    Play Out of Defence
    Work Ball into Box
    Focus Play Down Right

    In Transition

    Counter
    Counter Press

    Out of Possession

    Higher Defensive Line
    Higher Line of Engagement
    Prevent Short GK Distribution

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:4-1-4-1
    Description:Compact shape in defence with the DLP dropping deeper to support the back line.
    Evidence:DLP-S at [3,3] aids in defensive solidity.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:4-3-3
    Description:Fluid attacking shape with overlap from wing-backs and inside forwards cutting in.
    Evidence:IFs at [6,2] and [6,4] coupled with a CF at [6,3] enables diverse attacking options.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Quick build-up play with emphasis on retaining possession and utilizing width through wing-backs and inside forwards.

    Defensive Transition

    Rapid regrouping with a focus on counter-pressing to win back possession immediately.

    Main Focus

    Utilize playmaking abilities from the midfield to orchestrate attacks.

    Key Strengths

    Strong Midfield Presence

    Three dynamic midfielders capable of both defending and attacking.

    Effective Use of Width

    Wing-backs push forward, offering width and depth in attacks.

    Fluid Attack

    With two inside forwards and a complete forward, the attack is adaptable.

    Conflicting Directions

    Vulnerability to Counter-Attacks

    High defensive line may expose the back line to quick counter-attacks.

    Wide Flanks Vulnerable

    Heavy reliance on wing-backs might stretch the width too thin defensively.

    Midfield Pressing Uncertainty

    The balance between pressing and maintaining shape can lead to gaps.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Adjust Defensive Line

    Consider lowering the defensive line to limit counter-attacking risks.

    Tweak Midfield Roles

    Experiment with a more defensive role for one midfielder to offer better cover.

    Utilize Substitutions More Effectively

    Use substitutes to refresh midfield and forward options during fatigue periods.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    01:35 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-3-3 tactic

    4-3-3 Formation

    Equilibrada

    4-3-3 tactic

    4-3-3 Formation

    Custom LXS

    4-3-3 tactic

    4-3-3 Formation

    Control Possession

    4-3-3 tactic

    4-3-3 Formation

    Control Possession

    Guides for this formation

    The tactical theory behind the 4-3-3: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.

    Foundations

    Understanding the 4-3-3 Formation

    Master the classic 4-3-3: player roles, tactical variations, and the trade-offs that decide whether it sings or stalls.

    Read guide
    Player pairings

    Midfield Trios

    Holder, runner, creator: the role distribution rule for three-man midfields, the AMC variants, and the antipatterns that break them.

    Read guide
    Playing styles

    Gegenpressing: A Full Guide

    Klopp-style gegenpressing in FM, including squad profile, line-and-press pairing, sustainable workload, and the antipatterns to avoid.

    Read guide