Football/ Soccer Formations- One Attacker

October 6, 2025

Soccer formations.

Whether it’s in real life or in video games, soccer formations are where you start building a team. I’m a casual console player of the fifa games as well as playing for fun in real life and I love coming up with different strategies while playing. Let us know in the comments below what you love about soccer!

With so many formations to choose from, how do we organize them and where do we start? I think for this series of blogs we’ll organize them by how many attackers are at the front. Not to say it’s by importance, but more so by organization.

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

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.

Anyways, back to formations. Let’s start simple, one attacker at the front!

Formations include the following:

3-4-2-1

4-1-4-1

4-2-3-1 (narrow)

4-2-3-1 (wide)

4-3-2-1

4-4-1-1 (midfield)

4-5-1 (attack)

4-5-1 (flat)

5-4-1

3-4-2-1

CAM CAM

LM CM CM RM

CB CB CB

Pros

-this formation gives you an expansive and versatile midfield

-many ways to combine midfielder playstyles

-great player positions for attacking playstyles

-many player passing connections

Cons

-defensive weakness when midfielders don't help defensively

-opposition wingers can cross more comfortably

-lone striker can struggle if midfield isn't able to create plays

-wide play has less support without overlapping/ supporting fullbacks

Play Creation

-This formation thrives in using different player passing connections. You could triangulate plays between LM, left CAM and left CM. You could do the same with the mirrored right side. You could use the CAMs and CMs to connect passing between them. If the striker has good passing they could triangulate with the CAMs. In general this formation seems to favor different combinations of player connections. Plays will tend to flow more through the middle unless the CAMs are given instructions to go wide.

Player Types Combinations

-some of the best combinations I can think of:

–Combination 1:

–playmaking shooting ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and can shoot from anywhere)

–traditional CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–destroyer CM (focus: defending, aggression and strength)

–attacking wingers (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)

–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be a little better at passing to begin distributing the ball.

–Combination 2:

–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, strength and ball control to hold the ball while teammates open up)

–shadow striker CAMs (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–playmaking wingers (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)

–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be fast and strong also without needing to distribute the ball since all the midfielders have good ball control and passing.

–Combination 3:

–speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)

–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–attacking CM (focus: a CM that goes up into the goal area with good attack positioning, short passing and finishing)

–defensive playmaking wingers (focus: speedy wingers that have good short passing for support and good defensive qualities to help the CBs)

–The left and right CBs should be fast and strong. Your middle CB can be a little better at passing to begin distributing the ball.

4-1-4-1

LM CM CM RM

CDM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-this formation gives great stability and fortification to the midfield

-wide stretch of the ball in midfield

-works better with defensive styles of play

-can be more offensive using a high defensive line (having your players up higher on the field)

Cons

-build up is slow because of heavy midfield presence and not enough attackers

-can be a bit defensive or sludgy in the midfield

Play Creation

-This formation allows for easy triangle passing between the inner midfield with options to move it wide immediately when pressure is felt. The wide player can then choose to take a 1 on 1 down flank, pass to inner midfielders, pass to the closest fullback, or pass directly to the striker to shield the ball. “Pass and Go” passing (or known as forward run passing, when the player passes the ball and makes a run forward to receive the ball again) works great here whether it's a CM doing it or a wide player. It allows for forward fluidity when not trying to contain the game.

Player Types Combinations

-some of the best combinations I can think of:

–Combination 1:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–playmaking wingers (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)

–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–attacking CM (focus: a CM that goes up into the goal area with good attack positioning, short passing and finishing)

–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast and strong CB would be great.

–Combination 2:

–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and strength to hold the ball while teammates open up)

–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking shooting CM (focus: a great short and long passing CM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting, shot power and decent defending)

–attacking CM (focus: a CM that goes up into the goal area with good attack positioning, short passing and finishing)

–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast and strong CB would be great.

–Combination 3:

–speedy playmaking ST (focus: a fast striker that has great ball control and short passing precision)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)

–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–playmaking controlling CDM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast and strong CB would be great here.

4-2-3-1 (narrow)

CAM CAM CAM

CDM CDM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-midfield dominance

-pass connection is easier because players are scattered around midfield

-forward progression is easier because players are staggered in the midfield

Cons

-very little wide option of play

-fullbacks have more work without anyone else down the flanks to help them

-striker solely depends on CAMs for shooting opportunities

-playing against formations with wingers and fullbacks will be more difficult unless you have really good fullbacks

Play Creation

-The obvious area for creating plays is going to be between the three CAMs. They are going to be the pillars of your playstyle. Unless you have fast dribbling CAMs this style of play creation is going to be based more on a slow, possession style, moving through the middle. There will be a lot of options of “Pass and Go” between the CAMs and ST.

Player Types Combinations

-some of the best combinations I can think of:

–Combination 1:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–traditional CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–I would use two fast strong CBs with good in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking.

–Combination 2:

–playmaking ST (focus: a striker whose most important focus is short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–shadow striker left and right CAMs (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–box to box middle CAM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–box to box CDMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast and strong CB would be great here.

–Combination 3:

–playmaking shooting ST (focus: great ball control, short passing and can shoot from anywhere)

–traditional left and right CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–shadow striker middle CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–I would use two fast strong CBs with good defending in this combination because fullbacks are more attacking.

4-2-3-1 (wide)

CAM

LM RM

CDM CDM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-offers a little bit of everything in terms of structure and playstyles

-staggered players around the field

-a bit more beneficial to defensive playstyles but can be flexible to offensive playstyles with the right players and tactics

Cons

-if wingers aren't attack focused, the formation can feel slow in build up

-playing against a team that also has a lot of midfielders can feel like the midfield is clogged

-if your CAM is neutralized by your opponent, it will limit the plays that can be created

Play Creation

-This formation has various ways to create plays. The simplest way is using the CAM to dictate the movement of the ball. Being in the middle of five players they're able to receive the ball, dribble and move it where it's best. Wingers with the support of the surrounding players can create a lot of “Pass and Go” plays or make runs behind the defense. CDMs with playmaking qualities can also be the ones that dictate the movement of the ball and be the ones in charge of distributing the ball.

Player Types Combinations

-some of the best combinations I can think of:

–Combination 1:

–playmaking shooting ST (focus: great ball control, short passing and can shoot from anywhere)

–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use at least one fast, strong CB with good defending since you'll have a speedy destroyer CDM.

–Combination 2:

–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)

–playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–box to box CDM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy destroyer CDM (focus: a fast CDM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use at least one fast, strong CB with good defending since you'll have a speedy destroyer CDM.

–Combination 3:

–strong playmaking ST (focus: great ball control, short passing with strength to hold the ball while teammates open up)

–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking controlling CDMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending since you'll have CDMs that won't be super defensive.

4-3-2-1

CAM CAM

CM CM CM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-circular passing between midfielders

-versatility with how the three CMs could be used

-great support for down the middle attacks

Cons

-weaker width attacks

-lack of CDM has the midfield a little higher up, sometimes unable to help CBs defend

Play Creation

-Play creation will definitely rely on this circular midfield flow. Whether it's “Pass and Go” between CMs and CAMs or just straight possession while fullbacks move up to open field, this formation has a distinct feel for how it operates.

Player Types Combinations

-some cool combinations to try:

-Combination 1:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–traditional CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box left and right CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–playmaking controlling middle CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–I would use at least one fast, strong CB in this combination.

–Combination 2:

–playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–one shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–one playmaking shooting CAM (focus: a great short and long passing CAM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting and shot power)

–playmaking controlling left and right CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy destroyer middle CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use at least one fast, strong CB with good defending.

–Combination 3:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–traditional CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking shooting middle CM (focus: a great short and long passing CM, with good ball control, dribbling, long shooting, shot power and decent defending)

–speedy destroyer left and right CMs (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–At least one fast, strong CB with good defending should be fine since there will be a lot of players with defensive stats.

4-4-1-1 (midfield)

CAM

LM CM CM RM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-good midfield triangulation

-variety in attacking avenues

Cons

-flat midfield line can be passed through with a good opposing passer

-CAM and ST can be isolated if opposition has good CDMs

Play Creation

-There's a nice triangle connection between CAM and CMs that will dictate most of the plays. The wingers and fullbacks have good connection as well with support from the middle triangle.

Player Types Combinations

-some suggestions:

-Combination 1:

–physical ST (focus: a strong, aerial striker with great finishing and shot power)

–traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–Two fast, strong CBs with good defending should be good.

–Combination 2:

–playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–box to box CAM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–one attacking winger (focus: attack positioning, speed and shooting, especially from distance)

–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use at least one fast, strong CB with good defending. The speedy supportive fullbacks should help defensively.

–Combination 3:

–strong playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control and strength to hold the ball while teammates open up)

–shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy destroyer CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending because fullbacks might not be as reliable on defense.

4-5-1 (attack)

CAM CAM

LM CM RM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-heavy on offensive

-playmaking is done on opposition half most of the time

-nice balance of central and wide attacks

Cons

-midfield very open for opposition to attack

-midfield very open for opposition to attack (Yes, I put it twice because it's a big con :) )

Play Creation

-The top third of your field will have fun with this formation. The two CAMs will dictate most of the plays, using the wingers as support or relying on the striker. Overloading the top third of the field will be key.

Player Types Combinations

-a couple interesting combinations to play with:

–Combination 1:

–playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–traditional CAMs (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking controlling CM (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs in this combination.

–Combination 2:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–one traditional CAM (focus: attack positioning, short and long passing, ball control and dribbling)

–one shadow striker CAM (focus: speed, attack positioning, dribbling, and shooting, constantly making runs into the goal area like an extra striker)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–speedy destroyer CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending because fullbacks might not be as reliable on defense.

–Combination 3:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–box to box CAMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–box to box CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending.

4-5-1 (flat)

LM CM CM CM RM

LB CB CB RB

Pros

-the midfield flat line provides great horizontal play

-passing combinations always have support to the sides including long passes to the other side

Cons

-lacking a staggered midfield can allow opposition to loft through passes and long balls over the line

-striker very isolated if midfielders don't find a way to connect with them

Play Creation

-This formation is interesting because with a line of 5 midfielders there's different ways to create plays. For one, fullbacks can connect with the wingers to push the ball up while CMs provide support as they go up. CMs can be offensive and fast to do “Pass and Go” passes and then connect with wingers or the striker.

Player Types Combinations

-some combination ideas:

–Combination 1:

–playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–dynamic wingers (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–playmaking controlling left and right CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–box to box middle CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–I would use two fast, strong CBs with good defending.

–Combination 2:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–speedy attacking middle CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)

–box to box left and right CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast, strong CB with good defending should be fine.

–Combination 3:

–strong playmaking ST (focus: great ball control, short passing and strength to hold the ball while teammates open up)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–box to box left and right CM (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–speedy destroyer middle CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy supportive fullbacks (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–At least one fast, strong CB with good defending should be fine.

5-4-1

LM CM CM RM

LB CB CB CB RB

Pros

-defensively secure, allows fullbacks to create plays with wingers a little more freely

-flat line of four midfielders allows for ball movement horizontally when there's pressure

Cons

-since you have an extra player defending, you miss an extra player attacking

-players in top half have to be very precise to be able to make good attacking plays since you have one less attacking player

Play Creation

-I personally love playing five at the back formations with an attacking/ pushing forward mindset. With this formation the CMs are going to be making quick connections with each other, the wingers and the striker. The fullbacks will add strength to wing plays allowing for different passing types between the wingers and them. The striker, depending on their playstyle, will have to be precise in their role because you'll have less players attacking.

Player Types Combinations

-some of the many combinations:

–Combination 1:

–playmaking ST (focus: great short passing, ball control, dribbling and attack positioning)

–one dynamic winger (focus: fast wingers with great attack positioning, ball control and dribbling)

–one speedy playmaking winger (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–box to box CMs (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–(on the same side as dynamic winger) one speedy supportive fullback (focus: these are fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, short and long passing and decent defending)

–(on the same side as speedy playmaking winger) one speedy dribbling fullback (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–For CBs I would use two fast, strong left and right CBs with good defending. The middle CB could be another fast, strong CB, a passing CB or a dribbling CB, whatever fits your playstyle.

–Combination 2:

–dribbling shooting ST (focus: a striker with great ball control, dribbling, attack position and can shoot from up close and far with precision)

–speedy playmaking wingers (focus: fast wingers with great ball control, short and long passing including crossing)

–playmaking controlling CMs (focus: short and long passing, ball control and decent defending)

–speedy dribbling fullbacks (focus: fullbacks with a lot of speed, great ball control, dribbling and decent defending)

–For CBs I would use two fast, strong left and right CBs with good defending. The middle CB could be another fast, strong CB, a passing CB or a dribbling CB, whatever fits your playstyle.

–Combination 3:

–speedy dribbling ST (focus: a fast striker with great ball control and dribbling to dribble past defenders)

–playmaking wingers (focus: wingers with good attack positioning, ball control, dribbling and all around passing including crossing)

–speedy destroyer CM (focus: a fast CM with great defending, strength and aggression)

–speedy attacking CM (focus: a fast CM with great attack position, short passing and finishing)

–box to box fullbacks (focus: all around complete player able to help on offense and defense)

–For CBs I would use two fast, strong left and right CBs with good defending. The middle CB could be another fast, strong CB, a passing CB or a dribbling CB, whatever fits your playstyle.

Well, that's about it for one striker formations. Thanks for reading, I hope these ideas help somehow. Together we can continue to enjoy the beautiful game of football/ soccer. Let me know if you guys have any suggestions, opinions or ideas in the comments.

Have a good day!

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