Today we have 3421 custom tactics and player instructions. It's been a lot of fun playing such a dynamic and attacking formation at higher levels, and there aren't many successful 3-back tactic guides on here. We'll go over the players we use, how they fit, and why they work. Buy go to Aoeah.
FIFA 23 Best Meta 3421 Formation & Custom Tactics
It's also worth noting that, while we always start games in a 3421 formation, it's not the only one we use. When our opponents begin constant pressuring and overloading our wings, we usually switch to a 41212(2) or 4231 to finish the game, and we had to switch to the 4231 before half time three or four times this WL when we felt the 3421 wasn't the best choice against the opponent.
The 3421 with the right tactics embodies everything a theoretically perfect 3-back should offer: defending with 5 players, attacking with 5+ players, but most importantly, it allows flexibility in attack; you can play narrow or wide by overloading your opponent without sacrificing structure. This is the formation's main advantage. It can be difficult to break down difficult opponents, and being able to use different attacking methods without changing formations or tactics can be extremely beneficial.
Because 3-back formations rely heavily on wingers, finding the balance in transition between attack and defense is difficult. You don't want to be caught off guard on a counterattack with your wingers pushed too high, leaving your center backs exposed. We believe these tactics do an excellent job of striking that balance and are suitable for high-rank WL runs and the Elite division.
3421 Custom Tactics
Defence
Defensive Style - Balanced
Width - 45
Depth - 55
Offence
Build Up Play - Fast Build Up
Chance Creation - Direct Passing
Width - 35
Players In Box - 6 Bars
Corners - 2 Bars
Free Kicks - 2 Bars
Defensive Style
Balanced with 55 depth. We discovered that this combination works best for keeping Osei and Frimpong under control. After experimenting with various styles, we believe that Drop Back and PAPL disrupt the wingers' and center mids' transitions between defense and attack too much. With this configuration, the overall structure remains stable while in transition.
Attacking Style
Don't be put off by the 35 width. The formation keeps the wingers out wide and the central midfielders in check, preventing us from scrambling by leaving gaps in the midfield if we lose possession. We also discovered that this was an ideal width when combined with winger instructions to keep the CF's healthily spaced between the ST and wingers. We don't want them to cross on the same line. We'll explain why later. This year, our favorite attacking style has been Fast Build Up with Direct Passing. Having three narrow attacking options ready to receive a pass while the others begin runs in behind, plus extra options on the wings, completely overwhelms your opponent. It's an extremely effective counter-attacking strategy.
How To Attack
-Narrow. Because of the way the instructions are set up, the ST and RCF can be used as a false 9 or CAM. Pass it to one of them and start a run while the opponent tries to cover passing lanes between the other two central stikers or wingers running down the sides. On a pure counterattack, this works best.
-Playing down the same side. When you build up through the same side of the pitch, your opponent's fullback will automatically cover that side. You have a wonderful and effective triangle between the RM/LM, CM, and CF with the way the instructions are set up (this is why I didn't want them overlapping on the same line). Pass between them while sending either the CF or the RM/LM in behind (this is one of the reasons the formation is so effective). You've got options, and if they pull a center back to cover the runs, you've got another open option in your central strikers). When you're building up slowly or being more calculated against a well-structured opponent, this is the best option.
-Switching the play. This is the primary benefit of this formation. It's extremely effective, and the opponent has no way of countering it without destroying their defensive structure. Switching the ball along the ground from one side to the other almost always results in their fullback tracking inside to cover a CF (this is where the narrow width but wide winger instructions come in handy), allowing your winger to run in behind completely free. Yes, we understand that budget cuts are bad. But, whatever. This is a good balance of counter attack and slower build up, and it works best against opponents who control the middle of the pitch well.
3421 Player Instructions
GK - Comes for Crosses / Sweeper Keeper.
LM/RM - Come back on Defence / Get in Behind / Stay Wide.
With how the width is set up, they stay exactly where we need them to in both attack and defence. They have simple jobs: run up and down the pitch without deviating from their line. On the attack, they're available to run a triangle if you begin the attack on their side, or they're completely open in the final third if you switch the play. Both examples explained above.
CM (both) - Stay Back While Attacking / Stay on Edge of Box For Cross / Cover Center.
We really don't want my CM's pushing too high up the pitch. The CM's are just there to link play and be the first line againt counter attacks. Cuadrado tends to go further up the field because of his work rates, so we need to keep him on the edge of the box to keep him in check. Keep workrates in mind when choosing who to pair here. You need one of them to be M/H at least. Maintaining this position is also important for the triangle between the CM, CF and RM/LM mentioned earlier.
LCF - Stay Central / Get in Behind / Stay Forward.
The LCF acts as a second central striker. We have Big Al in that spot. We really just need him to be able to bounce a couple passes off someone and run in behind.
RCF - Stay Central / Get in Behind.
We like one of the CF's to be the link between the midfield and attack. Di Maria plays this pseudo-CAM spot well. They should be more creative than the LCF.
ST - Stay Central
With Ginola as my ST, he kind of plays a little more like a target man with his back to the goal, or false 9 while sending the CF's through on their Get in Behind instructions. His attacking AI is good enough we don't really have to mess around with much.
