Football/ Soccer Formations- 9v9
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For the last installment of formation guides we take a look at 9v9 formations. These will most likely be used in youth soccer so we'll try to keep things chill to not overwhelm the youngsters learning about this beautiful sport. Again, I’m not an expert but I'd like to share my ideas and strategies with you all. Thank you for checking them out!
Shortcut words:
CB:
center back
Fullbacks:
left back/ right back
CDM:
center defensive midfielder
CM:
center midfielder
CAM:
center attacking midfielder
LM/RM:
left midfielder/ right midfielder
LW/RW:
left winger/ right winger
ST:
striker
CF:
center forward (This is a position below the ST position. CFs typically participate with playmaking and moving the ball around as well as looking for scoring options.)
The term winger can be applied to both left/ right midfielders (who are midfielders) and left/ right wingers (who are attackers/ forwards). It can get confusing but it really is just to refer to the outside midfielders or attackers.
Formations include the following:
3-4-1 (flat)
3-4-1 (diamond)
4-3-1 (wide)
4-3-1 (attack)
5-2-1
3-3-2 (holding)
3-3-2 (wide)
4-2-2
5-1-2 (with CF)
3-2-3
3-2-3 (two CFs)
4-1-3 (with CF)
3-4-1 (flat)
ST
LM CM CM RM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-solid midfield that can pass the ball horizontally as they try to find and support the striker
-fullbacks have defending and passing support from wingers
Cons
-a CM will have to remember to drop down and help the CB when necessary
-midfielders will need to move up often to connect with the ST
Play Creation
-Easy wing play creation could include the ball going from GK to fullback to winger who can dribble up the field or pass it to a teammate that gets close to provide support. CMs receiving the ball can also put “through passes” to the striker if they are fast. The CMs and their respective wingers can also create “pass and go” situations.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas that can work:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one playmaking winger (focus: a player that's good at ball control, dribbling and passing)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–attacking CM (focus: a player that goes up to attack with good passing and shooting)
–supportive fullbacks (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–physical ST (focus: a strong player with good shooting)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: a fast player with good ball control and passing)
–one playmaking winger (focus: a player that's good at ball control, dribbling and passing)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
3-4-1 (diamond)
ST
CAM
LM RM
CDM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-CAM is able to move around creating passing plays for wingers and striker
-CDM can help start plays and come down to help CB when necessary
Cons
-If opposition has a lot of midfielders, passing to CAM can be difficult
-CDM has more players to mark without another midfielder nearby to help
Play Creation
-The ball can be distributed from your fullbacks to your wingers. If they feel confident they can dribble up the field or pass it to either the CDM, CAM or ST. If any player gets stuck they can boot it upfield for a direct pass to the striker. In moments when the CAM has the ball the CDM can move up to try to support or the wingers can run forward to show options for “through passes”.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: a strong player that's good at passing)
–traditional CAM (focus: a player that has good ball control, passing and dribbling)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one attacking winger (focus: a player that can make runs towards goal and shoot well from close and far)
–guardian CDM (focus: good passing and defending)
–supportive fullbacks (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a player with good ball control, dribbling, passing and long shooting)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: a fast player with good ball control and passing)
–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
4-3-1 (wide)
ST
LM CM RM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-strong defensive protection with a CB that can distribute the ball to the midfielders
-strong wing play with support from your CM and ST
Cons
-CM that can feel overwhelmed by being alone in the middle if teammates don't come in for support
-ST that can be isolated if they don't receive passes or if they're well covered by defenders
Play Creation
-One of the CBs can push up a little to provide passing support to their teammates, especially the CM. When necessary they can blast the ball forward to the ST or down the wings so the wingers can try to beat the opposing fullbacks in a run. A CM receiving the ball can connect with wingers or fullbacks quickly to start the plays. Down the flanks, wingers can run with the ball looking for support from the CM or ST. If no clear pass is available they can connect with the fullbacks with a “pass and go”.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas:
–Combination 1:
–physical ST (focus: a strong player with good shooting)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: a fast player with good ball control and passing)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–supportive fullbacks (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
–Combination 2:
–speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and passing)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one attacking winger (focus: a player that can make runs towards goal and shoot well from close and far)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
4-3-1 (attack)
ST
CAM
CM CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-Great connections down the middle
-fullbacks can push up while a CM drops a bit to cover for them creating wide attacks as well
Cons
-without wingers, fullbacks will find it a little more challenging attacking down the wings
-the CAM will have to remember to push up constantly to support the striker
Play Creation
-Play creation will primarily be run through the CMs. They can rely on rising fullbacks to go wide or down the middle with the CAM. If the fullbacks are successful pushing up the ball, the CMs and CAM can move laterally to provide them support. The CAM can move down when CMs need quick pass help, they can move up to help the ST, act as a second striker themselves or they can move laterally to support the fullbacks.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–physical ST (focus: a strong player with good shooting)
–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a player with good ball control, dribbling, passing and long shooting)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–dribbling fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
–Combination 2:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: a strong player that's good at passing)
–shadow striker CAM (focus: a fast player with pretty good dribbling and shooting constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
5-2-1
ST
CM CM
LB CB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-solid defense with free fullbacks to push up more than in other formations
-middle CB can have freedom to push up a little and help with passing creation and support
Cons
-less players attacking make it a little more difficult for generating plays in the last third of the field
-fullbacks and middle CB have more responsibilities in pushing up but also have to remember to come back to help defend
Play Creation
-Play creation can flow through different ways. If your middle CB pushes up a bit they can be a deep lying playmaker orchestrating passes to any player open. The CMs can move around trying to find open spaces to receive and distribute the ball as long as one stays a little behind to protect the middle. The fullbacks can constantly make runs forward and when they successfully push the ball up they can try to find a CM moving up or the ST.
Player Types Combinations
-some ways to make it work:
–Combination 1:
–showman ST (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–The left and right CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the middle CB can push up with good ball control and passing qualities.
–Combination 2:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–attacking CM (focus: a player that goes up to attack with good passing and shooting)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–The left and right CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the middle CB can push up with good ball control and passing qualities.
3-3-2 (holding)
ST ST
CM CM
CDM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-nice and stable formation that allows for different attacking and passing avenues
-a lot of teammate support since the positions are staggered and positioned in a way that the players are close to each other for quick support
Cons
-wide play workload will be heavier for fullbacks without wingers
-sole CB will have more responsibilities alongside CDM coming down more often to help them out
Play Creation
-Most of the play creation will pass through the CMs. They'll be able to connect with CDM for quick triangular passing. The midfielders can also involve the rising fullbacks so that they can dribble up the field or do a direct pass to the strikers. If you have a playmaking striker they can be involved in “Pass and Go” passing or possession passing with the CMs.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing and shooting)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–attacking CM (focus: a player that goes up to attack with good passing and shooting)
–guardian CDM (focus: good passing and defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–one showman ST (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: a strong player that's good at passing)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–fast playmaking controlling CDM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–one box to box fullback (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
3-3-2 (wide)
ST ST
LM CM RM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-a lot of wide play possibilities
-stretching the field forces opposition to spread out players leaving gaps you can take advantage of
Cons
-a sole CM will have to be good at defending and careful not to go up too high
-a sole CB will also require the CM to drop down and help often
Play Creation
-Play creation in this formation will mainly consist of wing play and direct passes to the strikers. Your CM can facilitate “Pass and Go” passing to the fullbacks and wingers. When wingers are near the strikers they can create “Pass and Go” passes or look for a striker that's in place to shoot. Strikers can mobilize around their area to playmake or take on defenders with good dribbling. The fullbacks themselves can set up strikers with direct passes if the strikers are in good position or if the opposing defenders are slower.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas for this formation:
–Combination 1:
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–one showman ST (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: a fast player with good ball control and passing)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–one speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and passing)
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing and shooting)
–one attacking winger (focus: a player that can make runs towards goal and shoot well from close and far)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
4-2-2
ST ST
CM CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-solid defense that allows the fullbacks a little more freedom to move up the field to connect with the CMs and STs
-the second CM and ST allow for less pressure and support from their partner
Cons
-wing play has less power unless CMs and STs move wide
-less passing triangulation in upper half
Play Creation
-The CMs will take the reins for the most part with options to play a striker that comes down or that makes a run behind the defenders. They can also get support from fullbacks and encourage them to push the ball up with “through passes”. If all options are closed they can pass it amongst themselves looking for open spaces to move into. If the game is closed in, one of the CBs can push up and act as a hybrid CDM with good passing to send direct passes to strikers or to support the CMs and fullbacks.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas:
–Combination 1:
–one strong playmaking ST (focus: a strong player that's good at passing)
–one speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–box to box CMs (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–supportive fullbacks (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
–Combination 2:
–one playmaking shooting ST (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing and shooting)
–one showman ST (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–playmaking controlling CM (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–dribbling fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
5-1-2 (with CF)
ST
CF
CM
LB CB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-fullbacks have full freedom to go up and down the flanks with a middle CB that can act as a hybrid CDM by pushing up at times
-CM that can pass back and forth with CF down the middle or go wide with rising fullbacks to create fluidity in the game
Cons
-very open midfield where opponent can take advantage of open spaces and attack easily unless your sole midfielder is fast or good at defending
-CM can be overwhelmed with a lot of tasks and will constantly need help from surrounding teammates
Play Creation
-With the back and forth movements of the fullbacks, the CM and CF can easily move sideways to support the fullbacks’ runs with zig zag passing. Once the CF gets the ball, they can decide to move forward with the ball to find the striker, dribble past defenders or pass it back to an open teammate. The CM and CF will be the ones directing the majority of the ball's fluidity. If a striker has good passing they can put “through passes” to a CF making runs into the box.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–showman ST (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–playmaking CF (focus: a player with good passing and ball control)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–dribbling fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–The left and right CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the middle CB can push up with good ball control and passing qualities.
–Combination 2:
–speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and passing)
–shadow striker CF (focus: a fast player with good ball control and shooting that makes constant runs in the box)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–box to box fullbacks (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–The left and right CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the middle CB can push up with good ball control and passing qualities.
3-2-3
LW ST RW
CM CM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-CMs can facilitate connection between wingers and fullbacks, creating great plays down the flanks
-ST has a lot of players that can distribute the ball to them
Cons
-singular CB will require a CM to drop down often to help defend
-fullbacks will have to move up high to connect with wingers and rush down to help defend causing a lot of fatigue
Play Creation
-Wing play will be fun with the fullbacks and wingers connecting while the CMs provide support either by zig zag passing or triangular passing. The striker will be looking for open spaces upfront ready to receive a through pass or direct pass from their teammates. If the striker is a playmaker they can move around ready to receive the ball and distribute it to a player making a run or in an open space.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas for this formation:
–Combination 1:
–speedy shooting ST (focus: a fast player with good shooting)
–one dynamic winger (focus: a fast player that has good ball control and dribbling)
–one playmaking winger (focus: a player that's good at ball control, dribbling and passing)
–fast playmaking controlling CMs (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–dribbling fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–strong playmaking ST (focus: a strong player that's good at passing)
–attacking wingers (focus: a player that can make runs towards goal and shoot well from close and far)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–playmaking fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
3-2-3 (two CFs)
ST
CF CF
CM CM
LB CB RB
GK
Pros
-a lot of attacking support with versatile CFs
-CM pairing can connect with CFs and fullbacks easily
Cons
-one CM has to constantly drop to help the CB
-fullbacks have less support down the flanks unless teammates run towards them to make passing connections
Play Creation
-Play creation is clearest involving the CMs and CFs. When one of the CMs gets the ball they can search for an open CF for a “pass back” or so the CF can make a play forward with his attacking partners. If the CM can't find an open CF they can rely on their midfield partner for short passing amongst themselves. If there's a lot of pressure in the midfield they can distribute the ball to one of the fullbacks who in turn can drive the ball down the flank or set a long direct pass to the attackers.
Player Types Combinations
-some ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast player with good ball control and dribbling)
–one playmaking CF (focus: a player with good passing and ball control)
–one playmaking shooting CF (focus: a player with good passing and shooting)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–one supportive fullback (focus: players that are good at defending with decent passing and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
–Combination 2:
–playmaking shooting ST (focus: a player that's pretty good at passing and shooting)
–one shadow striker CF (focus: a fast player with good ball control and shooting that makes constant runs in the box)
–one playmaking CF (focus: a player with good passing and ball control)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–box to box CM (focus: a player that is pretty good at everything and can support on offense and defense)
–one playmaking fullback (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–one dribbling fullback (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–The CB can be as fast and strong as possible with decent defending.
4-1-3 (with CF)
LW RW
CF
CM
LB CB CB RB
GK
Pros
-good defensive support with a staggered CF to help CM with play creation
-fullbacks have a little more freedom to go up and support while wingers can rely on different passing avenues
Cons
-The CM may be overwhelmed if the opposition has a lot of midfielders. One of the CBs can push up often to help support the CM.
-If the CF drops too low you will lose the presence of an attacker in the goalkeeper's box.
Play Creation
-Play creation can start from the fullbacks pushing the ball up looking for the CM or an open attacker. The CM and CF can move laterally to provide “pass and go” options to the fullbacks and wingers. If wingers are good shooters they can make runs into the box to try to create scoring chances. If possession is necessary the fullbacks can support the CM and CF with triangular passing.
Player Types Combinations
-some cool ideas to consider:
–Combination 1:
–playmaking CF (focus: a player with good passing and ball control)
–attacking wingers (focus: a player that can make runs towards goal and shoot well from close and far)
–fast playmaking controlling CM (focus: a fast player that's pretty good at passing, ball control and decent at defending)
–dribbling fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at defending with decent dribbling and speed)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
–Combination 2:
–showman CF (focus: a player that's good at shooting and dribbling)
–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: a fast player with good ball control and passing)
–guardian CM (focus: good passing and defending)
–playmaking fullbacks (focus: a player that is good at ball control, passing and decent at defending)
–One of the CBs can be as fast and strong as possible while the other CB can push up a little with decent passing to help distribute the ball.
Well that's about it, I think, for 9v9 formations. I want to thank you all for checking out my ideas. I certainly love strategizing football/ soccer ideas, so I hope this post was a fun read. I hope you all have a great day and until next time.