The Swiss verrou(1931)

Also known as the Swiss bolt formation, the verrou is a system of play that
requires disciplined and highly-fit players who can afford to run hard and
long throughout the entire game and can act in both offensive and defensive
roles. Generally played with 3 defenders, 3 midfielders and 4 forwards, the
entire team advanced on attack. Even the defence was shifted up to the centre
of the field, in the neutral third of the pitch. But the special feature of
the verrou was the defence.

On loss of the ball, all ten outfield players retreated, and their functions
were as follows: the four forwards would harass the opposing attackers,
slowing the attack down and giving time for the rest of the team to move back
into place. The midfield "line" shifted further back, allowing the
centre-half to take the position of the centre-back. The defense retreated to
just outside the penalty area, and the former centre-back now became the deep
centre-back, the player behind all the rest save the goalkeeper. This feature
of the verrou, the deep centre-back, will be seen later on in another system.

Advice on the verrou:Highly fit, disciplined players are required, as stated
above, along with good teamwork and good sense of positioning. This is not a
very easy formation to use, because of the fitness and discipline required.
--
FROM 219.224.177.94