One of the common shape in a variety of formations is the triangle midfield, this description will just cover the triangle midfield in a 1-4-3-3 system.
Where you can apply
the triangle can be configured in a variety of ways, but for the purposes of this post, I'll concentrate on one offensive central midfielder (#10) and two holding central midfielders (#6 and #8).
The first thing to remember is that in possession, the triangle midfield players are separated by about 12-15 yards. This is an average that will fluctuate depending on game scenarios and even the configuration used by the opposition team (it may be wider if you use a 1-4-2-3-1 formation to play in this system). Of course, this is in my possession.
How to apply
In a triangular midfield with one attacking player, the #10 is the attacking center midfielder. In the 1-4-3-3 System, they are also known as the 'Shadow Striker,' because they shadow and move in relation to the #9. (Central Attacker or Central Striker).
The #10 follows in the footsteps of the #9, and their movements are dictated by what the #9 performs. If the #9 goes to the left to receive the ball, the #10 begins to take steps to the right, attempting to assault the gap behind the #9.
Their attack on that space will be delayed because they must maintain a slight angle behind the ball to support the #9, who is expected to make a short one-touch pass.
The #10 would continue their run behind them to attack the ball and the goal if the #9 dummies the ball, enabling it to continue behind them.If the #9 gains possession and retains it, the #10 attacks the area behind it to become the #9, while the #9 switches positions to become the #10. The #10 also attacks the space in search of a possible combo pass from the #9 to one of the holding midfielders, who would receive and play swiftly to the #10 who is advancing forward.
Options
What to do in possession
In possession, they can start by combining with the #9. They'd look to play into the #9, read their movement on their first touch, then make a run to the opposite side to try to throw the opposition defense off-balance.
In possession, the second option is to seek for 1v1 opportunities for the #7 or #11 out wide, where they can either attack at speed with a ball played to feet or attack space in front of them with a ball played behind the wide wing defender who allows for a ball to be played in behind them.
In possession, the third option is to play to a supporting wide defender (#2 or #3), who would receive wide and either attack a numerical situation 2v1 against the wing back with their #7 or #11, or underlap and start attacking the goal themselves (cut inside and attack more centrally while the wing attacker stays wide making a deeper run to support the wide defender with possession).
Don't forget to
The final scenario has the #10 confronting a defender in front of them who has stopped advancing, being caught from side to side across the field, or retiring from the goal they are attacking. The other two triangle midfielders would modify their positions, with one supporting beneath the ball and the other overlapping to become the offensive center midfielder, attempting to receive the ball on a combination pass and progress towards the opponent's goal once more.
I get the argument that the initial choice in possession should be to penetrate, and you are accurate. As an offensive central midfielder, the first thing you should do is assault the goal, either by dribbling or combining and continuing your run towards goal.
This is the first chapter of the triangle midfield, and it focuses completely on the #10 in possession, including possession examples and where they should look, as well as their actions and runs.
The holding center midfielders (#6 and #8) in a 1-2 triangle formation, as well as their roles and movements in possession, will be the subject of the next essay I'll write later. I'll write a third post about the triangle midfield's movement and shape when they're not in possession.
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