“It’s a geometry lesson”
I vividly remember leaving an FA course and saying those words. The focus was on how the shape of an area will change the outcomes of the session. A rectangle, a square, a circle. A triangle. A diamond.
Triangles and diamonds. The most important shape in the game and the most in vogue shape.
Most who follow football are familiar with the creation of triangles to outnumber opponents and give the man on the ball options to pass. Analysis on teams managed by Pep Guardiola tend to point out how well they use triangles to pass the ball. Wenger’s Arsenal too. You can guarantee that teams who are good at keeping the football are good at making triangles.
The diamond has returned to prominence recently. Liverpool deployed the shape as a way to ensure they were not outnumbered in midfield and allowed two forwards who like to play in central areas to play in the same team. By setting up in a diamond the team immediately has players operating “between the lines”.
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Over the last few days BBC pundits have recommended that both Arsenal and Manchester United switch to a diamond in midfield. Particularly in the case of Manchester United, seeing as a way to not only deploy two central players, but three in Falcao, van Persie and Rooney. The midfield diamond allowing the team to not be outnumbered while the front two and a half tear into the opposition.
Is the GK-4-1-2-1-2 the only way to maintain the diamond in midfield and utilise more than one forward? The problem with the system being described is in wide areas. Teams will rely on the full backs pushing on or an attacking player pulling into a wide position. It is arguable that there is no natural attacking width unless you have the right players.
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Above is a version of 3-4-3/3-5-2. The system has the familiar back three and two wing backs. Our diamond shape is buried within the system. Instead of a defensive midfielder forming the base of the diamond we have a central defender. Two central midfield players and a more advanced midfielder/forward. The wing backs providing more natural width.
Does this set up sound familiar? How much difference is there between this and the action that occurs in a 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-1. The defensive midfielder (Alonso or Gerrard) dropping in with the central defenders to collect the ball and the full backs pushing up into advanced wing back positions.
The key when in possession is less about your formation and more knowing the positional requirements. Being able to create diamonds and triangles while also making the pitch wide to stretch the opponents.
Of course, it all depends on what we think a diamond is.
For Cruyff his diamond exists in a different manner.
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The diamond is a large wide formation between an attacking midfield player, two wingers and a centre forward.
The diamond itself does not only exist within the above systems. These shapes are hidden within a variety of formations.
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In the 4-2-3-1 we have a double diamond between midfielders and the forward. This may help to explain it’s popularity.
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In a flat 4-3-3 there are a number of diamonds created. In all of the systems, there are undoubtedly more triangles than diamonds.
Of course the game is not static and the players need to be able to move to retain those shapes when in possession or to create those shapes at the point of turnover. With angles that give you options and distances that give you realistic passing options while stretching the opponents.
Essentially something that gives you lots of options, no matter what label you give it.
People get caught up in formations. The shape is important but that final shape will be roughly similar whatever label you give your formation. If the shape in formation is flat, keeping possession becomes more difficult. If the shape is filled with angles, triangles, diamonds and width and depth you will find it easier to keep the ball. Two strikers, one striker, three strikers is less important. That decision will come down what you have in your squad. Where are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? How flexible are your players?
BBC pundits Manchester United team – http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29025253
http://shop.soccertutor.com/Coaching-the-Tiki-Taka-Style-of-Play-p/st-b019.htm