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Whats covered in Coaching the 4-2-3-1

Coaching the 4-2-3-1features was filmed at the Nebraska WORLD CLASS

COACHING International Coaching Seminar. The sessions have been edited into 12

separate videos that highlight specific aspects ofcoaching the 4-2-3-1. The first

coaching session focuses on tactics whereas the second provides practical drills for

counterattacking and transitions.

Coaching the 4-2-3-1Attacking

Part 1Developing play from the back three ways using the 4-2-1 of the 4-2-3-1

Harrison begins the session by explaining how the 4-2-3-1 enables three ways for

attacks to be built from the back. Using Real Madrid as his blueprint, Harrison

demonstrates how to spread the defensive players out wide when in attack, how to

practice changing shape to get the ball out and how to get the ball up the pitchquickly.

Part 2Working in the midfield area with 6, 8 & 10 as a lop-sided triangle

In this video, Harrison highlights the importance of positioning and how the

opposition could try to counter a lop-sided triangle utilizing a 3v3 exercise.

Part 3Attacking between the opponents back four and midfield area focusing

on the diamond of support and including the fullbacks

One of the 4-2-3-1s great advantages is that the weight of numbers can forceopposition defenses to fall back early and leave space for the offensive central

midfield. This video demonstrates a possession drill for training players to get in the

right positions, in particular the fullbacks that will need to be involved in attacks to

swamp the oppositions defense.

Part 4An attacking phase of play playing in front of the opponents back four

Real Madrids Cristiano Ronaldo is renowned for his silky ball skills and for always

working the opposition defenders. This video demonstrates how to work the wide

player to disrupt the oppositions back four by creating 2v1 situations.

Part 5An attacking phase of play playing in front of the opponents back four

with fullbacks added

In this video Harrison demonstrates how to create good positions around the box for

feeding the ball to the central forward. This includes harnessing fullbacks for added

flexibility and less predictability and exploiting space with triangles of support.

Part 611v0 shadow play to teach four distinct phases of play

The final attacking video summaries the different phases that a 4-2-3-1 enables andhow teams can smoothly transition into a 4-3-3.

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Harrison with the National Championships he won while the Academy Director at Al

Ain, one of the top pro clubs in the Middle East.

Coaching the 4-2-3-1Counter-Attacking and Transition

Part 1Quick passing and attacking with width with the positional shape of 4-2-

3-1

The second series of videos moves away from tactics to focus on drills for developing

rapid play. The first drill can be used as a warm-up session in which the focus is on

getting the ball to the striker quickly through swift counter attacking. Players will also

learn how to spread wide and take advantage of the additional numbers in attack.

Part 2Solo running with the ball from midfield

Real Madrids Ronaldo is again used as the perfect example for how midfielders in

the 4-2-3-1 can pick the ball up from deep. This drill aims to train players to run with

the ball out wide. Harrison adds two more defenders to create a 4v4 situation to

demonstrate how the numbers can be changed to suit the level of your players and

how much you want to push them.

Part 35v5 to 5v2 counter attacking

Players must maintain possession in this drill in a tighter area. The ball is played from

the middle to speed up the rotation from attack to defense, in a drill that is as much a

test of stamina as it is technique.

Part 4Quick transition attacks

The whole pitch is now used with the emphasis on distribution to the wide players in a

4-2-3-1 to enable fast counter attacks. Harrison imposes a two touch limit, which can

be adjusted to suit the level of your own players.

Part 5Direct attacking from back to front and regain possession in the

attacking third

Players now need to drop further back to begin the counter attack. This approach

replicates Barcelonas high pressing game where they always try to win the ball

higher up the pitch and in dangerous attacking positions.

Part 6Organize the 4-2-3-1 shape to 3-1-3-3 or 2-3-2-3

One of the biggest benefits of the 4-2-3-1 is its flexibility. Harrison finishes the

session by highlighting how the number six can be utilized to rapidly change the

teams shape along with fullbacks pushing up the pitch and wide players tucking in