The 2-3-5(1900)

This formation, also known as the Pyramid, or the classic formation, as it
was used for 50 years after its invention, has only two defenders. Three
midfielders and five forwards should be sufficient evidence to show that this
is an attack-oriented formation. Attacking plays generally began from the
center-half, who had usually two options: to pass to one of the five forwards
or to dribble forward himself. The defence is manned solely by the defenders
(naturally) and thewing-halves, the two outside midfielders, helped out by
marking the opposing wingers.

The Danubian style, based loosely on the 2-3-5 and used successfully by the
Austrian, Hungarian and Czechoslovakian national teams in the 1930s, was only
different in one aspect. The passes used by the players were strictly kept on
the ground, and no aerial passes were used.

Advice on the 2-3-5: This formation requires defenders that have good
stamina, good sense of positioning, and good tackling skills, as they have to
do the defending of the goal alone. The wing-halves should be able to run
fast and pass well, and possess some amount of trickery, for they will have
to outwit the opposition wingers.The centre-half should have a great control
of the ball, superb sense of positioning and good passing. Wingers have to be
creative, have a decent aptitude in dribbling down the flanks, and be able to
beat defenders with ease, for they are the suppliers of the goals, and must
beat the opposing wing-halves to do so. Great passing is another important
asset for the winger, as he has to find the centre-forward in good positions
to enable him to score. The centre-forward must be one man who is able to get
the goals; people who can put the ball over the bar from two metres out need
not apply. The centre-forward must also have a strong shot and good passing,
so that in case he gets into trouble, he can pass it out to the wingers to
try again.
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