⚽The Offensive System 3-2-2-3 (or 3-2-5)

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of my newsletter!

Before we dive into today’s topic, a quick personal update:
Over the past few weeks, my account was unfortunately temporarily suspended due to a hacking incident. Thankfully, everything has now been fully resolved, and things are running safely and smoothly again – and I’m back with fresh content and exciting news!

During that downtime, I’ve been working hard on a project I’m really excited to finally share with you:

I’m currently developing a web app that allows you to easily create your own training plans – using either my drills or your own custom content.

The platform will go live next week or the week after at the latest, and I’m super excited to hear what you think of it!

📌 Further down in the newsletter, you’ll already find a sneak peek of what the web app looks like, what features it offers – and how it can support you in your day-to-day coaching.

But first, let’s jump into today’s tactical topic – here we go! ⚽

1. ⚽The Offensive System 3-2-2-3 (or 3-2-5)

   1. 1 Checklist: Successfully implementing the 3-2-2-3 / 3-2-5 in possession

2. 🆕Web App: Create your own training plan!

⚽ The Offensive System 3-2-2-3 (or 3-2-5):

Why this structure is becoming a go-to in possession – and how it works

There’s a clear trend in modern elite football: more and more top teams are organizing their shape in possession around a 3-2-2-3 structure – or, with a slightly more attacking interpretation, as 3-2-5. What once seemed like a tactical experiment from a few bold coaches has now become something of a standard setup for teams aiming to dominate possession, manipulate space, and gain immediate access in counter-pressing moments.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why this system is so effective, how it works in practice – and how you can train it.

💡 The Core Idea Behind the 3-2-2-3

In possession, many teams now position themselves as follows:

• Three players in the first line (usually centre-backs + possibly an inverted fullback)

• Two holding midfielders (typically hybrid players: supporting both build-up and defensive transitions)

• Two attacking midfielders in the half-spaces (classic No. 8s or advanced 10s)

• Three front players, offering width and depth

This creates a 3-2-2-3 structure – or 3-2-5, if the two No. 8s are seen as part of the attacking line.

Advantages of this structure:

• Solid rest defense

• Central overload

• Width in attack

• Immediate access for counter-pressing

⚙️ Common Users: Possession-Dominant Sides

This system isn’t ideal for every team. It works best for sides that actively look to dominate the ball, control tempo, and maintain a high line.

Recent examples include:

• Arsenal under Mikel Arteta

• Manchester City with Pep Guardiola (often featuring Stones in a hybrid role)

• FC Barcelona under Xavi

• Real Madrid, in phases under Ancelotti

• Paris Saint-Germain

• Liverpool under Arne Slot has also shown similar build-up patterns

These teams rely on structured positional play, central dominance, and consistent attacking width. The 3-2-2-3 setup provides the ideal framework to support that.

⚖️ Balance Through the Middle: The Role of the Double Pivot

One of the most important aspects of the system is the balance between attacking progression and defensive security – primarily handled by the two holding midfielders.

Their hybrid role includes:

• Supporting the first line in build-up

• Closing the middle immediately after losing the ball

• Leading the counter-press

• Progressing play with clean, purposeful passes into Zone 2 and 3

A key detail: the three players at the back stay relatively narrow. Why?

• To immediately close the centre in case of a turnover

• To keep passing distances short – enabling quick, controlled circulation

If the opponent presses high, the structure can easily adapt:
One of the pivots can drop in, forming a back four to create more width and stability.

🎯 In the Final Third: Structured Width & Depth

In the attacking third, the system creates a clear five-man front line:

• Three players up front (e.g., two wingers and a striker)

• Two attacking midfielders in the half-spaces

This arrangement serves two key purposes:

• Stretch the opponent – the wide players force the defensive line to cover the full width

• Occupy space between the lines – the central players operate between the opposition’s midfield and defense

Against teams defending in a 4-4-2, this is particularly effective. The 3-2-2-3 enables teams to systematically exploit the in-between spaces, create overloads, and pull defensive blocks apart.

🚨 Counter-Pressing – Built into the System

Another reason top coaches love this structure: it’s ideal for immediate counter-pressing after losing the ball.

With so many players in and around the ball zone, the team can apply instant pressure. The double pivot plays a crucial role here: they secure the middle and initiate access, while the back three are ready to step in behind them.

Depending on the situation, even centre-backs may step forward into the press – especially when the ball is lost high up in the opponent’s half.

⚽ What Does This Mean for Your Training?

If your team focuses on ball control and positional play, it’s worth integrating the 3-2-2-3 structure into your sessions. Here are the key areas to emphasize:

✅ Train your build-up line: Use 3 (or 4) players + 2 pivots; include position rotations and dropping movements
✅ Create central overloads: Use small-sided games that target the spaces between the lines
✅ Rehearse rest defense: Focus on transition games with clear roles in case of ball loss
✅ Simulate counter-pressing: Practice instant reactions after turnovers, especially with your pivots and half-space players

👉 Conclusion: Structure Creates Control

The 3-2-2-3 (or 3-2-5) is more than just a formation – it’s a tactical mindset. It helps possession-dominant teams connect build-up, width, and counter-pressing into one coherent game model. If you understand how to align this structure with your playing philosophy, you’ll be able to open space, manipulate opponents – and control risk in transition moments.

🆕Web App: Create your own training plan!

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