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1-3-2

Progresses from: 1-2-1 (4/5-a-side)

Progresses to: 3-2-1-2 (9-a-side)

PROS OF THIS FORMATION	CONS OF THIS FORMATION
Provides the player on the ball with lots of options, allowing for a possession-based approach	A possession-based approach can be challenging at this level of the game. It is also not a priority for development at this stage
A number of players are ready to win the ball back quickly in the attacking half	Limited players in the middle of the pitch to protect the goal
Allows for player-to-player defensive match-ups, meaning players get to develop 1v1 skills	It is difficult to be compact when defending

2-1-2-1

Progresses from: 1-2-1 (4/5-a-side)

Progresses to: 3-1-2-1-1 (9-a-side)

PROS OF THIS FORMATION	CONS OF THIS FORMATION
Two clear diamonds means players have a lot of passing options when in possession	The most challenging of the seven-a-side formations for players to understand, meaning they can sometimes get confused and require a lot of guidance from the coach
As the formation is narrow, it naturally produces some of the key defensive elements of the game	Players may end up too close together and might need to be supported on how to create space in attack and when to take up spaces in defence
Players are set up in a position to protect the central areas of the pitch
Promotes communication and decision-making

2-2-2

Progresses from: 2-2 (4/5-a-side)

Progresses to: 3-3-2 (9-a-side)

PROS OF THIS FORMATION	CONS OF THIS FORMATION
Allows players to work on developing movement	Challenging to create space when in possession, particularly creating width
Lots of opportunities for combinations between players	Complex decision-making about when to stay compact and when to engage the player on the ball when defending
Naturally encourages being compact when defending
Difficult for the opposition to score goals

2-3-1

Progresses from: 1-2-1 (4/5-a-side)

Progresses to: 3-4-1 (9-a-side)

PROS OF THIS FORMATION	CONS OF THIS FORMATION
Works on many of the in-possession principles of play	Players are very structured in decision-making and creativity
Provides players with pictures and scenarios relevant to all soccer formats	The defensive concepts are very challenging – particularly understanding how to defend in a compact way – and will require lots of support from the coach
Players learn how to defend in pairs

3-1-2

Progresses from: 2-1-1 (4/5-a-side)

Progresses to: 3-2-1-2 (9-a-side)

PROS OF THIS FORMATION	CONS OF THIS FORMATION
Strong in attack with numbers pushing forward when in possession	Challenging from a defensive point of view due to the numbers in attack
Develops game analysis, understanding and decision-making	May lose opportunities for players to experience a controlled build-up
Lots of opportunities for 1v1 battles

Related Files

scw-181-the-ultimate-7-a-side-formation-guide.pdfPDF, 237 KB

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Formats and formations

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9-a-side formation: 4-2-1-1

Why choose this 9v9 formation? Review the pros and cons, in possession and out of possession principles, and each position

9-aside formation: 3-2-1-2

Why choose this 9v9 formation? Review the pros and cons, in possession and out of possession principles, and each position

Practice: On the half-turn

A session teaching players to receive on the half-turn and break defensive lines. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it ...

Small-sided game: On the half-turn

A session teaching players to receive on the half-turn and break defensive lines. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it ...

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PROS OF THIS FORMATION

CONS OF THIS FORMATION

PROS OF THIS FORMATION

CONS OF THIS FORMATION

PROS OF THIS FORMATION

CONS OF THIS FORMATION