The purpose of this book is discussions on selecting a formation at midfield. Properties of 36 formations are overviewed. These 36 formations are derived from 3 and 4 DF players and 3 and 4 layers.

Independent parameters constituting the formations are relative positions of the players and distances between the players. The relative positions decide functions of a formation. Also decided are basic concepts of the football tactics that can be applied in a formation for fast break. To quantitatively discuss length of a formation, a personal defense area is modeled. From estimation of the personal defense area, distances between the layers are suggested for the defense. Procedures for selecting a formation are also discussed.

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this book

1.2 The motivation on this book

Chapter 2 Elements of the formations

2.1 Properties of the formations

2.2 Evaluations of the formations

2.3 Shape elements of the formations

2.4 Distances between the layers

Chapter 3 How to select a formation

3.1 Priority on selecting a formation and movements of the players

3.2 Selection of a formation

3.3 Design of movements of the players in slow break

3.4 The compatibility of 3-layer and 4-layer formations

3.5 Implementation of the individual movement

Chapter 4 Discussions

4.1 Why particular formations are applied?

4.2 Asymmetric formations

4.3 Numerical advantage or one-to-one?

4.4 Fine adjustment or Plan B

4.5 Middle- and long-shots against the defense

4.6 Mismatch

Chapter 5 Summary