Fifa 09 Formations (Big 4 & Divisions)
General Tip on Selecting your Team’s Formation
The key to success with formations is understanding what your opponent is running and countering with the correct numbers on the field. It is all a numbers game. Find ways to gain numerical superiority where you need it and you will be successful. Even strong players become vulnerable when outnumbered!
Three Basic Tactical Approaches in the Big 4
1- Defensive Mentality (5-3-2)
2- Controlling the middle of the field (Balanced) (4-4-2), (4-3-3)
3- Attacking Mentality (3-5-2)
There are 17 total base formations in FIFA 09. When broken down in positions and strategy, there are really four general formations (the Big 4) and all the others are basically spun out of variations of each of those. This section takes the big 4, breaks them down in detail and then explains how each variation can be adapted to a particular game situation you may face.
Strengths
The most popular, balanced and versatile of all formations. Works well against almost any other system with built-in flexibility. Works well against a 3 player defence, since the RM and LM can act as true wing forwards then return to midfield to secure the center of the field or assist the defenders. The LS and RS work in tandem either together in the center or making opposing runs, making them tough to defend and creating more attacking opportunities. The 4-4-2 can shift into other formations on the fly, and so can easily be used to create surprise attacks. This is tough to counter attack as well, because this system is so evenly distributed across the field and provides players the most balanced distribution of workload responsibilities of any of the formations.
Weaknesses
If too many players get caught up in the attack from the midfield, the defenders will have to move up to cover and can cause holes in the defence that could be exploited by another 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 system. If balance is not maintained, the opponent can quickly gain numerical superiority.
Tips
Use the width of the line up to work the ball around the field. Use possession and be patient for openings in your opponents. Switch the ball around the back and regroup and start the progression on the opposite side. Use numerical superiority to attack. When defending, gain numerical superiority in the middle of the field by having the LM and RM tuck in and letting the LB and RB pick up the attacking wings. The LS and RS should work in tandem to try and pull the defenders out of position.
Best Formations to Counter the 4-4-2
3-5-2 with attacking mentality can outnumber the defence, 4-4-2
Variations
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4-1-2-1-2 
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