FIFA 13 Ultimate Team Formations

The Importance Of Understanding ALL FIFA Formations

A basic knowledge of all formations and their strength's and weaknesses should be the foundation of how we proceed through the team building process. We cannot depend on having only expertise in the formations we use and are good at it.

Reasons that we must become astute in every FUT formations are:

1. Its much easier to gameplan against your opponents when you know the theories involved with THEIR formations.
2. Knowing the strengths of different formations allows you to adapt and change strategies to fit changes on your teams roster, if need be.
3. This will give you real flexibility when building your FIFA 13 Teams.
4. You will ultimately become a much better trader at the Market Place.
5. Knowledge of ALL formations will undoubtedly increase your understanding of EACH and EVERY formation by itself.
6. The more you know about the game the more you will appreciate it.

Complete List Of FIFA Ultimate Team Formations

5-2-2-1

This formation, as is any formation with 4 or more in the backfield, is a strong defensive formation. Very useful for quick forwards and teams that utilize counter-attacks often.

5-2-1-2

Of all the '5' formations, this one is used least. Another formation that requires a better than average center forward - mostly because the majority of play is going to come through the middle. Basically your center forward is backed by 2 CM's, while he supports the 2 strikers. When using this formation, build your team with counter attacking in mind.

5-3-2

This is a favorite among many players. As it is a defensive formation that allows for a lot of attack opportunities. You will need talented wing-backs that can quickly make space and create instant opportunities for the midfielders to advance the ball through the middle. This should also create nice options as there are 3 midfielders that can distribute to the strikers from almost any part of the field.

3-4-1-2

A well rounded formation -the3-4-1-2 hinges on your center forward. Spare very little to find yourself a dominate player at this position, as he will be your main set-up man for the strikers. What you will lack in defense you will make up for when advancing the ball up field.

3-4-2-1

Here we have just 1 striker - supported by the left and right forwards. The forwards must be able to create wider shape on the offensive side of the field, making room for solid scoring opportunities for the lone striker. You must have above average center backs to prevent your opponents from creating too much space around YOUR corner flags.

3-4-3

Designed for players that find success in crossing the ball from side to side, looking for opportunities near the opponents flags. Keep solid players in your backfield - with only 3 defenders, they must be able to handle many tough situations.

3-5-2

2 CDM's will help create better support for your defense, which will be much needed with this slightly altered midfield scenario. In this formation, the CAM, who plays forward in the midfield, should be an outstanding ball handler. He will likely carry much of the workload. Your 2 midfielders will also double as wingbacks, meaning that they will have to be young and in outstanding physical condition.

4-1-2-1-2

With a diamond shaped midfield, this is a more balanced formation widely used by many players. This standard formation has many players that like to use it -therefor player cards will ultimately cost you more. Keep this in mind when building your team and when heading to the player marketplace.

4-2-3-1

Used for ball possession near your opponents box - there are no midfielder or wingers. Instead, you will use CAM's on either side of the field, providing balance and flexibility for moving up and down the field. And because there will be only 1 striker - you must pay for a top-notch player. When he gets an opportunity, he must be able to make the most of it.

4-2-2-2

Similar to the 4-2-3-1, this formation uses two strikers and no center forward in the hole. With it, you will use two defensive midfielders and two ATTACKING midfielders. This is more suited to leagues with an abundance of CDM's and CAM's on opposing teams.

4-3-1-2

This formation is about ball advancement through the center of the field. You will use 3 midfielders and 2 forward's - and the center forward who will be the 'go-to' guy for advancing the ball between the 2 set's of position's. Use this formation is you are more comfortable moving the ball in a straight line up the field instead of side to side.

4-3-2-1

Using forwards to assist a single striker, the 4-3-2-1 formation is built for putting pressure on your opponents. This is the formation that high level FIFA Ultimate Team players prefer - and should be used only after gaining experience with straight up the middle gameplay.

4-3-3

Known for it's abnormal style, the 4-3-3 take's a lot of getting used to. The timing and ball movement can also hinder your opponent's if you get a good handle on your player's and there spacing. With 3 CM's that must be excellent ball handler's, you must make sure that all 3 are above average at their position's. They will be the glue that hold this formation together - as they will have to be able to buy time for setting up center midfielder's.

4-4-1-1

There is one difference in this formation set-up compared to the 4-3-3, and that is that one of the striker's will move into the hole. This is so that the center forward can hold the ball and create even better opportunities for the lone striker. Used by the best team's in the World, you must be able to pass the ball efficiently to make this work.

4-4-2

If you are just starting out on the FUT game's, this would be a great way to become accustomed to playing. It's very safe and offer's the type of balanced needed as not to find yourself in a lot of tough situation's. Great for building a good, all-around team.

4-5-1

This formation uses 5 player's in the midfield area. A possession based scheme, mainly for controlling the ball in and around the center of the field. With 1 striker and 2 CAM's to support him, the striker will be better suited as someone who can breakdown defense's with his skill's. Because of the number of players bunched up at the center of the field, you must wait for the right opportunities before trying to advance the ball.

Putting Your Formations To Work

Once you have given the different formation's a look, go ahead and practice trying each one out. Get a feel for what is needed to utilize them to their full potential. Try to create a correlation between what you have read and what is happening during games.

This is a great way to become more confident on the field - and off the field when trading player's and building team's.