Dual Formations: In & Out of Possession Explained

FM26's biggest tactical revolution is the dual formation system. Here's everything you need to know.

How It Works

Your team now has TWO formations:

• In Possession: Your shape when you have the ball
• Out of Possession: Your defensive shape without the ball

The game automatically switches between them based on ball possession, using the same 11 players with different roles.

Why It's Game-Changing

Before FM26

• One static formation
• Compromises between attack and defense
• Limited tactical flexibility

FM26

• Dynamic tactical shifts
• Optimize both phases separately
• Realistic football simulation
• More creative freedom

Popular Dual Formation Combinations

1. Attack: 4-3-3 → Defense: 4-4-2

Best For: Balanced play with solid defense

• In Possession: Wide wingers, attacking midfield
• Out of Possession: Compact 4-4-2 block
• Difficulty: Beginner

2. Attack: 3-4-3 → Defense: 5-2-3

Best For: Aggressive pressing teams

• In Possession: Attacking wingbacks, front three
• Out of Possession: Five-man defense
• Difficulty: Intermediate

3. Attack: 4-2-4 → Defense: 4-2-3-1

Best For: Dominant possession teams

• In Possession: Four attackers
• Out of Possession: Defensive midfielder drops
• Difficulty: Advanced

4. Attack: 3-2-5 → Defense: 4-3-3

Best For: Extreme attacking football

• In Possession: Five forwards in final third
• Out of Possession: Wingbacks drop to full-back
• Difficulty: Advanced

Setting Up Dual Formations

1. Start with Out of Possession

   • This is your defensive base
   • Pick a solid, balanced formation
   • Examples: 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 5-3-2

2. Design In Possession

   • How do you want to attack?
   • Where should overloads be?
   • Which players push forward?

3. Assign Roles Carefully

   • Each player can have different roles in each formation
   • Example: Full-back (Out) becomes Wing-back (In)
   • Ensure transitions make sense

4. Test and Iterate

   • Watch matches in full
   • Check transition moments
   • Adjust based on player attributes

Common Mistakes

❌ Too drastic changes: 4-4-2 → 3-2-5 confuses players
✅ Subtle shifts: 4-3-3 → 4-2-3-1 flows naturally

❌ Ignoring player attributes: Slow full-backs can't be wing-backs
✅ Role suitability: Match roles to player strengths

❌ Overcomplicated instructions: Too many changes per formation
✅ Keep it simple: 2-3 role changes maximum for beginners

Team Instructions Per Formation

You can set DIFFERENT team instructions for each formation:

In Possession

• Higher tempo
• Play out of defense
• Shorter passing
• Work ball into box

Out of Possession

• Lower tempo
• Counter-attack
• Direct passing
• Tighter marking

Real-World Examples

Liverpool-Style Gegenpress

• In: 4-3-3 (high press, wide wingers)
• Out: 4-3-3 (immediate press on loss)

Manchester City Possession

• In: 3-2-5 (inverted full-backs, false 9)
• Out: 4-3-3 (full-backs drop)

Counter-Attack Setup

• In: 4-2-3-1 (direct, fast transitions)
• Out: 4-4-2 (compact, deep block)

Tips for Success

1. Start simple: Small changes between formations
2. Watch transitions: Ensure smooth shifts
3. Player instructions: Use sparingly
4. Opposition analysis: Adjust based on opponent
5. Training: Practice transitions in training

Next Level: Advanced Tactics

Once mastered:

• Opposition-specific dual formations
• In-game formation changes
• Exploit opponent weaknesses
• Defensive vs offensive mentality shifts

Remember: Dual formations reward understanding of football principles, not just copying tactics!