Formations through time

The facts

• The 2-3-5 “pyramid” was recorded in 1880, and by the 1890s it was the standard formation in England.
• In the mid-1920s Herbert Chapman of Arsenal created the WM (3-2-2-3), adding a centre-back after the 1925 offside change.
• Brazil won the 1958 World Cup playing 4-2-4. The 4-4-2 was the most common shape in the 1990s and early 2000s; today many teams play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
• Young players use smaller shapes for smaller games, like 2-3-1 in 7v7 and 3-2-3 in 9v9.

Take it to your game

Know your line and keep the shape: width, depth and cover help every teammate.