How To Defend In A 3-5-2 Formation: Pressing, Defensive Overloads and Coaching Practices - Tactical Theory
Learn how to defend in a 3-5-2, from front-two pressing and defensive overloads to box defending, mid-blocks and practical coaching exercises.
Defending in a 3-5-2 is a formation that can allow you to press high with two forwards without being overloaded in midfield, and whilst keeping a solid structure on your backline.
The system can also be easily adapted to create a back five when teams are defending their box.
This tactical theory article will examine the formation's benefits and drawbacks in the defensive phase.
Using examples from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this tactical analysis will analyse the 3-5-2 tactics deployed by Louis van Gaal's former Netherlands side.
This analysis includes guidance on how coaches can implement these defensive tactics.
Forwards Pressing
The above image shows the Netherlands' front two of Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn pressing against Ecuador in a former encounter.
One forward applied pressure to the ball whilst arching their run and running at the goalkeeper's outside foot.
This movement forces the opposition's receiving player to open up and play out the other side.
With the ball-far forward protecting the middle with his starting position, the goalkeeper has only one risk-free pass to the right of his box
Because the forwards made the opposition's play predictable, the Netherlands could overload that side of the pitch.
The ball-near wing-back (furthest left on the image) tracked his man into the opposition's half.
The ball-far wing-back (out of shot) tucked in beside his centre-backs to create a temporary back four.
Defending The Box
A great benefit of the 3-5-2 system is that it allows teams to defend their box with five players.
As the above example shows, if one of the five defends the wide area, with the ball far-wing-back tucked in, there are still four defenders to cover the box.
One difficulty this formation can create, as in this situation, is applying pressure to the ball when the opposition doubles up in the wide area.
Here, the wing-back is pinned by the wide-forward, allowing the opposition's full-back to receive alone from a switch of play.
Whilst the midfield shifts quickly, they can only apply half-pressure when the cross is delivered.
Although they are unable to prevent the cross, the Netherlands have enough bodies across the edge of the box to defend it comfortably.
