Formats and formations

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.

All formations have their different pros and cons both in possession and out of possession, and the positions offer different development opportunities and challenges for your players. 

As game numbers grow and formations progress from four or five-a-side, to seven-a-side, to nine-a-side and then, ultimately, 11-a-side, players are able to layer knowledge and understanding of the game.

Read more about what formations are, how they are presented and how to choose one, before reviewing specific formations in more depth below.