Football has a number of formations that are used to organise the 11 players on the pitch. While there must be a goalkeeper, the other 10 players can be fielded in any way the manager wishes. A number of formations have grown in popularity, and the most widely used are:
4-4-2:
This has much to do with Alf Ramsey, who snubbed the more popular 4-2-4 formation in favour of a 4-4-2. The reason behind this was because it was felt that England did not possess strong enough central midfield players to play two in the middle. As such, England became the "wingless wonders" and won the World Cup in 1966 using the formation.
Now, it is one of the most widely used formations in the game today. Popular for its flexibility, which allows for fullbacks and wingers to attack or defend appropriately.
3-5-2:
This formation is also very widely used. Unlike the 4-4-2 it plays three centre backs that tend to occupy the penalty box, and does not have wide defenders. The extra midfields, with the two wide players can drop back to give defence cover. Alternatively, an attacking midfield player can be pushed up behind the two forwards to link them with midfield.
Used a lot in Germany, also became more famous in Italy with the Italians using the sweeper as extra defensive cover. Inter Milan used it, and won the European Cup in 60s.
3-4-3:
This formation is popular in Holland, who created it as part of their total football philosophy. It's an attacking formation, and allows for an extra player pushed forward. With two wide midfielders to support, this can mean goals!
Alas, the 3 centre backs also provide reasonable defensive grounds. But generally, teams that play this will be more vulnerable at the back.
4-5-1:
Has grown more popular in recent times. It is defensive, with only one player put in attack. The midfield is packed, and will be more able to support the lone striker with a midfield pushed up a little behind.
With 4 at the back also, the team has more of its players inclined to protect the goal and can be very difficult to score against. Likewise, with fewer attackers, the team will probably score fewer goals. Usually, can be suited to a long-ball or direct play with the ball kicked forward straight to the 1 forward.
4-3-3:
This is a more attacking formation, which sacrifices a mid-field player for an extra attacker (from 4-4-2). When seeking goals coaches might just force a player further up the pitch, with a touch more defensive risk. Alternatively, it can be changed to a 3-4-3 easily enough.
5-4-1:
The super defence system. Plays 3 centre backs, with 2 fullback, at the back and also has suitable midfield protection. Only 1 attacker will not have great support, so the formation is regarded as negative, and there only to stop teams scoring. But used wisely, it can win matches.
Those are the most widely used formations. Teams sometimes change formations during a game to suit circumstances, if for example a player is sent off. Keeping formation can sometimes be a challenge to some poorly organised teams. And sometimes, inappropriate formations are blamed more than team players for poor results. As such, their importance in modern football should not be underestimated.
