How to choose a formation

What kind of shape does your team have on match day? Getting players to fit a formation can be a tricky business especially at the younger age groups, it’s all about getting the players to understand how the formation works and their role in it.

Most young players like to be striker but some players prefer to play with the ball in front of them. So you have to work on a strategy and how to get players involved – it all boils down to understanding.

Start by getting an understanding of the way teams build up as they progress through the age groups. How teams work up from 5v5 to 11v11 shows you in diagrams the way the two new outfield players are integrated into each formation.

For the Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8 age groups who will play 4v4 (without a goalkeeper) or 5v5 with a goalkeeper the 1-2-1 formation works on a diamond shape that gives support in defence and attack. It relies on the coach being able to get across to the two midfield players the importance of both getting back into defence and supporting the striker.

If you are a coach working with Under 9s and Under 10s the 7v7 formation begins to work on other factors. The 2-1-2-1 formation is ideal for advancing 7-a-side teams to a more tactical attacking game with the ability to go with three upfront, which makes it hard to defend against.

And for coaches of Under 11 and Under 12 teams playing 9v9, with the extra tactical difficulties involved, here are my two “go to” formations:

1-3-1-2-1 is a very strong formation with diamonds from back to front, it is solid in the middle and excellent on the counter attack. It also offers plenty of support from midfield to attack.

3-3-2 is similar to the traditional 4-4-2, and sets up a good, solid base from which to defend and attack.

4v4/5v5 formation 1-2-1

in Attacking, Defending, Formations

For the Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8 age groups this formation works on a diamond shape which gives support in defence and attack MORE

7v7 formations 2-1-2-1

in Formations, Tips and advice

This is the best formation for an all out attack. Check out the pros and cons of the 2-1-2-1 formation at 7-a-side for Under 9 and Under 10 teams. MORE

9v9 formations: 1-3-1-2-1

in Formations, Tactics

With more teams playing 9v9 at U11 and U12, we take a look at the formations your side could play for this team size. This is the 1-3-1-2-1 formation MORE

How teams work up from 5v5 to 11v11

in Formations, Tactics

The diagrams in this post show how soccer formations progress from 5v5 through to 11v11 – you can see how each change in formation adds players into the mix. MORE

9v9 Formations

in Tips and advice

Formations can help teams to play to their strengths – but you need to know which one suits your team. To help you, we look at 3-3-2. MORE