Futbol Island

7v7 lesson · Meet the team and restart · Beginner

A Formation Gives Us Options

Use the jobs of the back line, midfield and forward to find a missing wide or supporting option.

What the coach says

  1. A formation is a starting arrangement. Here, one keeper, two defenders, three midfielders and one forward make one-two-three-one.
  2. The two defenders give support behind midfield. Without the ball, they protect the route to our goal. The keeper helps behind them.
  3. Three midfielders connect the defenders to the forward. Wide players stretch the team; the middle player offers another passing angle.
  4. The forward gives us a target farther up the field. Everyone still moves to help with the ball and to defend without it.
  5. Look at our right midfielder. They have drifted close to the middle. The passer needs a route on the right.
  6. You are the right midfielder. Which move adds the option our shape is missing?
  7. Move wide enough to offer a different angle. You can leave your starting spot when the game needs it.
  8. The middle player passes wide. Now the midfield and back line must keep helping the new ball carrier.
  9. A defender closes the forward route. The middle player has run ahead too, so the ball carrier needs help behind.
  10. Our forward still offers height. The right defender is deeper; a closer midfield angle can connect the team.
  11. You are the middle midfielder now. Which move gives the wide teammate a clear return?
  12. Drop behind and inside. A midfielder can help from different heights as the picture changes.
  13. The return reaches midfield. Width, a player ahead and support behind give the team choices.
  14. One-three-two-one is another possible formation: three defenders, two midfielders and one forward. Neither set of numbers fixes players to the grass.
  15. Try different positions in practice. Explain who can help ahead, beside and behind you before choosing where to move.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    Where would the right midfielder help now?

    • Move toward the middle
    • Move toward the right side

    Coach’s explanation: The left side already has width. Moving right gives the middle player a separate passing route.

  2. Question 2

    Where should the middle midfielder offer support?

    • Move behind and inside
    • Move farther ahead

    Coach’s explanation: The forward option is covered now. A position behind and inside the ball gives the wide player a clear return.

  3. Question 3

    The forward is hiding. Tap where the forward plays.

    • Behind the defenders
    • Far up the field
    • Out wide on the left

    Coach’s explanation: The forward gives the team a target farther up the field.

  4. Question 4

    Which picture gives the wide player a clear pass back?

    • Middle player drops behind
    • Middle player runs ahead
    • Middle player stays far left

    Coach’s explanation: Behind and inside gives a short, clear pass back.

  5. Question 5

    Now the left midfielder has drifted inside. Where should they move?

    • Drop back near the defender
    • Move into the middle
    • Move wide on the left

    Coach’s explanation: Wide on the left gives the passer a new route.

Play it on the island