This is a introduction to how to play the 41212 (2) Narrow formation. Below you’ll find the 41212 custom tactics used by the pros and we’ll keep this page up to date with the most meta versions of this tactic.

The 41212 (2) Narrow custom tactic has been a fan favourite over the years and it made a strong comeback in FIFA 23.

With a tight diamond in the centre of the park there are plenty of options for tiki taka quick passing with full backs overlapping to provide width.

Ball playing full backs are key in this formation as they get forward a lot. They provide extra options in attack and overload your opponent’s defenders out wide opening gaps to cut in from the wings.

You’ll use your full backs a lot in the 41212 narrow. They’ll drag your opponent’s team out of position, creating overloads giving you a lot of options to pass inside.

Look for the early diagonal ball into the CAM/STs feet or if you find yourself further up the pitch cut in around your opponent’s penalty area.

Lobbed through balls and German crosses are also extremely effective from the wide positions.

Defensively you’ll need to be careful you don’t lose the ball in transition. If you give the ball away too early whilst you’re building up play you’ll be susceptible to counter attacks.

Strong, fast CBs are important because often you’ll need them to hold up play whilst the rest of your team get back into position. Having lengthy full backs also helps them get back to help out quicker if they’re caught too high up the pitch.

Once you’ve avoided getting countered, the defensive shape of the 41212 narrow usually changes to a 442 with the CAM dropping in to help in the midfield.

It’s this robustness in defence coupled with so many options and overloads going forward that make the 41212 (2) narrow such a formidable formation.