If you play this formation it is critical that your holding midfielder be fast and have a lot of courage, otherwise there is a high probability you will lose the midfield and there also can be confusion at the back...I have found that because kids like to get forward, I play a 1-2-2-1 so kids feel more comfortable getting forward but understand they need to get back. Also with one clear last back, there is less risk of confusion and I also have a designated person to communicate from the back.
