In Valence Bond Theory (VBT) and Crystal Field Theory (CFT), metal atoms or ions in coordination compounds form hybridized orbitals through a process called hybridization. In VBT, the metal atom/ion undergoes hybridization of its valence orbitals (ns, np, nd) to yield a set of equivalent orbitals with defined geometry (e.g., octahedral, tetrahedral). CFT, on the other hand, focuses on the electrostatic interactions between metal ions and ligands, leading to the splitting of d orbitals. These hybridized orbitals, derived from metal valence orbitals or modified d orbitals, overlap with ligand orbitals, facilitating the formation of coordination bonds in specific geometries.