Youth soccer players moving through game play during an indoor training session

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Develop through the game

Use the game to support individual development

GAME

Selecting a Formation for your team

What is a formation and why is it important?

  • A formation is a way of setting up your team
  • Each player is given a position and roles and responsibilities with and without the ball
  • Formations change as players play different formats of the game
  • Using different formations can help support player development

Formations for different formats of the game are below. These are examples and other formations may be used. Click on the pitch diagrams to learn more about each formation - each formation builds on the previous format.

1-2-1 formation pitch diagram showing height, width, and depth.

U7-U8 · 4v4

1-2-1 FORMATION

 1-3-2-1 formation pitch diagram for 7v7.

U9-U10 · 7v7

1-3-2-1 FORMATION

 1-3-2-3 formation pitch diagram for 9v9.

U11-U12 · 9v9

1-3-2-3 FORMATION

 1-4-3-3 formation pitch diagram for 11v11.

U13+ · 11v11

1-4-3-3 FORMATION

U11-U12 · Up To 9v9

1-3-2-3 FORMATION

Overview

As players progress from 7v7 to 9v9, there are new roles (positions) added on the wings (red players).

The formation begins with a back line consisting of one goalkeeper and three defenders. It then progresses to the two midfielders and three forwards.

How it works

This formation continues to set up 1v1s across the field in both attacking and defending moments.

Create two blocks of four:

  • Block one: Three defenders (one center back and two outside backs who help create passing options and support the attack) and one midfielder
  • Block two: One midfielder (central) and three forwards (one central and two wide players)

Two midfielders are staggered to create passing lanes (one has more of an attacking role and the other is more defensive).

During the build-up, the three forwards help the team by spreading out and providing options to play forward and change the point of attack.

Recommended Resources

Click each resource to download a PDF overview

GAME

Selecting a formation for your team

Guide to formations for different formats of the game