In this coaching clinic filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Jenny Sugarman, former head coach at West Bromwich Albion Women, explains the key ideas behind using a box midfield.

Setting up with a back three, two wing-backs, a box in midfield and a central striker – inspired by teams such as Antonio Conte’s Chelsea – Sugarman explains in detail how to take advantage of the central-midfield overloads the system helps to create. In possession, she discusses ideas for building up through the thirds, and what is required of the rest of the team in attack to avoid the single striker becoming isolated. Out of possession, she describes how the system can be used when defending with a high press, and in mid and low blocks, and explains when and why you might tweak the shape to a flat 4-4-2. Finally, she looks at the advantages of the system in attacking transition, and explains why she believes the box midfield works better in front of a back three than a back four. 

It’s a fascinating insight into the formation, and how to employ it. We hope you enjoy it!