Once possession is lost, it is important that the team shape defensively for this 3 - 4 - 3 formation adjusts. The players must have an understanding of their roles within the team. The two wide midfield players must drop deeper and be prepared to pivot, so that the one on the side of the ball becomes a normal fullback and the one on the other side of the ball plays in advance of the central defender, more in a wide defensive midfield position. Because there are three central defenders, the central defender on the opposite side of the ball can cover any diagonal balls into their corner.

The three central defenders should be in a position that enables them to pressure any ball that goes to the opposition strikers feet, to cover the space behind their wide midfield players and one should always be covering the two markers for any mistakes or balls played centrally in behind them. It is important that either two man mark and stay with their respective strikers, allowing the third to play as a sweeper or libero. The other option is to communicate and pass players on so that there is always two of them man marking and the other playing as a sweeper and providing cover, particularly centrally. They should never get caught flat or square, as in this formation, there are no real fullbacks to provide cover for them.

The two wide attacking players should also drop slightly deeper and do two jobs. One is to be in a position to cover any attacking fullback moves and the other is to be in a position to intercept any passes from midfield to an attacking wide player.

The two central midfield players must put pressure on the ball in the midfield area and the other needs to provide cover to their central midfield partner as well as be in a position to intercept any forward passes to the opposition strikers feet.

The central attacking striker, can also drop slightly deeper to threaten the opposition midfield from an advanced position, as well as pressure any passes that go backwards to the opposition central defenders.

In summary:

• Two of the three central defenders can get tight and also provide cover down the flanks. The other sweeps and provides cover.
• The wide midfield player on the side of the ball can get tighter and be in a position to cover an attacking forward run and pressure the ball.
• The wide midfield player on the opposite side of the ball, can play in front of their central defender and be in a position to help out in midfield, as well as cover if a diagonal ball to their side is played.
• The two central midfield players work as a pair, one to pressure the ball, the other to provide support and cover.
• Both wide attacking players drop a bit deeper, to help out in midfield, be in a position to maybe intercept a pass to an attacking wide opposition player and track any runs from the opposition fullbacks.
• The central attacking striker also drops a bit deeper, where they can threaten any opposition midfield player who drops deep or miscontrols the ball, as well as being able to pressure the opposition central defenders if the ball is played back to them.
• Once the team gain possession, they must adjust their shape and adopt their attacking 3 - 4 - 3 formation.