A fellow soccer coach wrote to me at the weekend that he was about to take a mixed-ability 11-a-side team, and asked which formation I’d recommend. I suggested that 4-4-2 was safe, flexible and –although unadventurous — easy to explain and for the players to understand. Then my response turned into an extended monologue questioning my own motivation for coaching, and wondering how muchtactical setups matter at all in youth soccer (a warning to anyone planning to send me an email with a single, simple question).
SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING
Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.
- Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
- Inside access to USA’s 2026 World Cup prep.
- Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
- Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
- Cancel anytime.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Already have an account? Sign in here.