A team’s formation is the way they set up on the pitch.

It describes the shape that they play in and the position the players take in relation to each other.

Of course, soccer is a fluid game in which players move around the field. A formation gives teams and players some guidance as to how they might move and what their duties are, both when attacking and defending.

The presentation of formations

You will often see formations denoted as numbers.

For example, in the 11-a-side game, teams may opt to play a 4-4-2 - that is four defenders, four midfielders and two attackers - or 4-3-3, which is four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.

Usually, the numbers don’t include the goalkeeper, just all of the outfield players, and always go from the players furthest back to the players furthest forward.

However, you may hear some coaches, particularly in youth soccer, include the goalkeeper as a ’1’ before the rest of the formation. This is often done to promote inclusivity around the role of the goalkeeper. Here, though, we will stick with the most common format throughout.

"A formation gives players guidance as to their attacking and defending duties..."

Some formations might require four numbers: for example, 4-2-1-3. This indicates there are four defenders, two defensive midfielders, one more attacking midfielder, and three forwards. This could, however, also be called a defensive 4-3-3.

Some may use five numbers. 4-1-2-1-2 is an example. This indicates four defenders, one defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, an attacking midfielder and two attackers. This could also be called a 4-4-2 diamond. 

The word ‘diamond’ refers to the shape the midfielders make when in their starting position.

How to choose a formation

All formations have their different pros and cons.

Some formations may mean you have more capabilities in defence – for example, in 11-a-side, a formation with four defenders, rather than three. Some may lend themselves more to wide play when attacking, while others may promote more attacks through the middle.

At the elite level, where it’s about winning games and getting points on the board, formations are chosen to allow for the strongest possible team to play, or to match up with, or cancel out, the threat of the opposing team.