Introduction
Building up from the back is crucial for advancing effectively into the opposing half. However, it’s essential to tailor the build-up strategy to the defensive structure of the opposing team. For instance, building up against a team that uses a single striker differs significantly from facing a team that deploys two strikers. Additionally, understanding the behavior of other players within the defensive setup is important.
In this article, we will analyze various strategies to build up against teams employing a 2-3-1 formation. The 2-3-1 structure consists of two strikers, three midfielders—who may be positioned as one advanced midfielder flanked by two wingers—and one holding midfielder. This formation is favored for its ability to exert high pressure, provoking errors during the opponent’s build-up with only five players, while still maintaining sufficient numbers to defend as a block if the initial pressure is overcome. Effective build-up against this setup should adhere to the concepts outlined below.
Identify the Type of Defense
Our tactics in a build-up phase always depend on the opponent’s defense type. The first thing players should do is to identify whether the opponent is pressing one-to-one in duels or they are pressing as a block. The approaches for the build-up against these two types of pressing will be different. In duel pressing, we will try to play longer passes to our forwards where we have numerical equality while if being pressed as a block we will try to progress with shorter passes.
2-3-1 structure (1)
Athletic Bilbao uses 2-3-1 structure in high pressing against Villarreal CF (we can not see the right winger).
2-3-1 structure (2)
In this action we can see Athletic Bilbao uses the same 2-3-1 structure against Sevilla.
“IN ORDER TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE BUILD-UP AGAINST THE 2-3-1 STRUCTURE YOU SHOULD USE SEVERAL CONCEPTS. YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF PRESSING, USE IN-OUT PLAYING STRATEGY, AND PROVIDE A NUMERICAL ADVANTAGE IN THE HOLDING MIDFIELDER’S ZONE. “
Use In-Out Circulation Strategy
Once we identify the opponent’s 2-3-1 defensive structure, we can begin to implement our strategy to overcome their high pressing. Notably, when facing a 2-3-1 formation, we can create a numerical advantage in the first line by utilizing our goalkeeper alongside two center backs, particularly when employing a back four.
Given that their formation tends to be narrow, our strategy includes exploiting the flanks. However, directly passing from our center backs to the flanks could simplify the opponent’s pressing efforts. Therefore, our initial response to such high pressing should be to play within their structure, inducing them to compress further and enhance their narrowness. This maneuver creates larger gaps on the flanks, which our full backs can utilize to receive the ball with ample time and space to advance.
in-out strategy
In this example, we can see how playing in-out strategy can create a free spaces on flanks.
Generate Numerical Superiority in the Middle
Another critical concept in the build-up is creating a numerical advantage in the zone of the opposing holding midfielder. To achieve this, it is essential to position two of our midfielders in this zone. Typically, the opposing holding midfielder does not track their direct opponent into this area, resulting in a 2-vs-1 situation against the opposing advanced midfielder. If one of the defending wingers then closes down this space, we have the option to switch play to the flanks. If the space remains open, we can exploit our numerical advantage to progress through the middle.
Additionally, if our center back has the freedom to move forward with the ball, they can directly challenge and potentially bypass the defensive line.
numerical advantage
In this action, Villarreal's GK plays into a free gap where they have a 2v1 numerical advantage.
CB driving the ball
In the second example, we can see how Kounde (CB) drives the ball into a free space.
Conclusion
As we have discussed in this article, to effectively build up against a 2-3-1 structure, employing multiple strategic concepts is crucial. Initially, you must identify the type of pressing employed by the opposition to select the most suitable build-up strategy. Once the 2-3-1 structure is recognized, combining the in-out ball circulation strategy with creating numerical advantage in the holding midfielder zone is essential. This approach not only surprises your opponent but also helps in surpassing their pressing structure and approaching their defensive line in advantage.
This concept is part of the Ekkono Method ‘Team Performance Secrets’, developed after analyzing the best teams in the world. Remember you can watch the full Performance Secret in video inside our virtual campus. Not a member? Check our membership plans and sign up now.
