3-5-2 Sweeper/Flat back

The 3-5-2 formations are used by teams whose players know to work together. This line up is slightly more offensive than the 4-4-2. The defenders need to communicate well, and the midfield has to be included into defending a great deal.

Sweeper (SW): In this formation, the sweeper needs absolute control over the defenders. The communication between the defenders has to be errorless, since they are more likely to be outnumbered than the 4-4-2 defenders.

Stopper (ST): The stopper has more responsibility than usual. He does mark a forward, but he also organizes the defence.

Left/Right Defenders (LD/RD): Communication is the key to a happy marriage and a stabile 3 men defence. These players should be less active in offensive plays unless the midfielders can fill in sufficiently.

Left/Right Central midfielders (LC/RC): Both central midfielders play a defensive part in this line up. They cover for the central midfielder who leads the attacking plays, and at least one of them functions as a defender when the ball is in their own half.

Left/right Midfielders (LM/RM): Need to call for the ball more than usual, since a team with a central midfielder tends to drive the ball up the middle rather than the outsides.

Central midfielder (CM): This player needs good ball handling and passing skills, for he has the control over the offensive plays, distribution of the ball in the opponent's half, and standard situations.

Forwards (F1/F2): One of these should occasionally drop back to support the midfielders. Other than that, the forwards' assignment should be clear.