Coaching the 3-4-1-2 Formation

THE 3-4-1-2 PLAYBOOK

Master modern defensive solidity, midfield control & incisive forward play

Unlock the tactical secrets of the 3-4-1-2 — the formation that blends defensive steel with midfield creativity and two-pronged attack.

The ebook series is used by top pros such as:

Danny Röhl - Manager of Sheffield Wednesday FC

Yohan Cabaye - Former Newcastle and PSG Footballer now Coach

Martin Devaney - Assistant Manager of Barnsley FC

Marlon Pack - Portsmouth Captain

Kenwyne Jones - Former Premier League Footballer now Coach

Quentin Othon - Former Professional Footballer now Coach

Why this book matters

• Tactical clarity: Break down the roles of three centre-backs, wing-backs, a double pivot, the #10 and two strikers.
• Modern application: How the 3-4-1-2 adapts to pressing, transitions and versus popular shapes (4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, 4-4-2).
• Trainable: Practice progressions, session plans and coaching cues make it easy to teach at youth, amateur and pro levels.
• Match reading: Learn how to change shape in-game, make substitutions that matter, and exploit opponent weaknesses.

Who this book is for

• Head coaches and assistant coaches.
• Academy coaches who  want a clear development path.
• Analysts and scouts studying shape and space.
• Ambitious players (centre-backs, wing-backs, #10s, strikers).

What you’ll learn

1. Foundations & Principles

• Core principles: width, compactness, verticality, overloads and role fluidity.
• Player profiles: ideal physical, technical and mental attributes for each position.

2. Defensive organisation

• Covering principles for a back three.
• Compactness vs. spread: when wing-backs tuck in or push high.
• Press triggers and coordinated pressing lines.

3. Midfield control & the double pivot

• How two midfielders control tempo, protect the back three, and start attacks.
• Rotation patterns to free the #10.

4. The #10: the creative fulcrum

• Positioning, linking play and connecting with two strikers.
• How to occupy pockets between lines and pull defenders apart.

5. Two-striker dynamics

• Complementary striker partnerships: target + runner, false nine + poacher.
• Movement patterns to stretch horizontals and create space for midfield runners.

6. Build-up & transitions

• Safe ways to play out from the back with numerical superiority.
• Fast break patterns and counter-press routines.

7. Game models & playlists

• Sample match plans vs. different tactical systems.
• Set-piece blueprints for offense and defense.

8. Training curriculum

• 12-week practice plan with session plans, progressions and micro-goals.
• Drills calibrated by age/ability.

Ready to implement a system that wins midfield battles and creates consistent chances? Choose your format and start building a flexible, modern 3-4-1-2 today.