Midfielder is Too Far Forward

"Football is a game you play with your brains.
You have to be in the right place at the right moment,
not too early, not too late."2
Johan Cruyff

In diagram 1 the blue #4 is caught upfield when the orange #3 passes out to the #8. One of #4's basic tasks is to neutralize his immediate opponent. He cannot do this from this position. Now the blue team is faced with the problem of who should pressure the #8. The #4 and #7 are on the wrong side of the ball. If the #2 or #5 move over they will leave their own immediate opponent unmarked. The number #4 is too far from his proper position which keeps him from doing his job which in turn puts the burden on his teammates.

In diagram 2 the blue #4 is in the correct position. He can pressure his immediate opponent or support the #7. Each player can concentrate on his own job. This leads to a higher level of confidence and communication. It eliminates calls like "somebody mark up" or "I have two men over here."

Midfielder is too far forward.

Striker is too far back.

Sweeper is too far back.

Midfielder is too close and at a poor angle.

3v3 bad shape