9v9: The 2-4-2 Formation

Player Roles

  • ✅ Key Responsibilities

    • Protect the goal, start our attacks, organise the defence.

    🟢 In Possession:

    • Distribute calmly to central defenders or DMCs.

    • Be an option for a back pass to reset play.

    • Choose when to go short (safe) or long (when under pressure).

    🔴 Out of Possession:

    • Stay alert and ready to sweep behind the back line.

    • Communicate with defenders (e.g. “man on”, “push out”, “keeper’s”).

    • Organise players during set pieces.

  • ✅ Key Responsibilities:

    • Protect the central space, win the ball, play forward safely.

    🟢 In Possession:

    • Play short to DMCs or wingbacks to start attacks.

    • Open up to receive passes from GK.

    • Step forward into space if the opposition sits back.

    🔴 Out of Possession:

    • Mark central attackers and clear danger.

    • One steps, one covers — don’t both press at once.

    • Stay compact and connected to each other.

  • ✅ Key Responsibilities:

    • Link defence and attack, protect the back line, control the midfield.

    🟢 In Possession:

    • Be an option for short passes from CD or GK.

    • Ball-side DMC supports the attack.

    • Far-side DMC holds shape to prevent counter-attacks.

    🔴 Out of Possession:

    • Press when the ball enters your zone.

    • Screen the central defenders.

    • Support wingbacks if play shifts wide.

Make it