Step 4 – Assign defensive runs
After assigning the offensive runs, you can also add up to 2 defensive runs to each player. This will not only influence the running patterns when defending, but also impact the positioning and the area a player covers while you are not in possession of the ball.
I have assigned the right striker a forward pointing run when defending in order to make sure he stays up while the rest of the team defends. This makes him a target man for fast counter attacks, while the centre forward and the attacking midfielder build the first wall of defense.
The remaining four midfielders clog up the middle and are going to put pressure on the ball carrier. The centre back has to stop the remaining attacks that come through the middle, while the fullbacks have to cut off the support from the wings.
Step 5 – Name the formation
To finish the process off, you have to find a name for the formation you’ve just created…
