What is a formation in soccer?

The starting arrangement of a team: how many players are in defense, midfield and attack. It gives players starting jobs. They still move as the game changes.

How do you read formation numbers?

From the back to the front, leaving out the goalkeeper. A 4-3-3 is four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. Add a 1 at the start to count the goalkeeper: 1-4-3-3.

What formation should a kids’ team play?

One the players can understand. Common first choices are the 2-3-1 in 7v7, the 3-2-3 in 9v9 and the 4-3-3 in 11v11, because each one leads into the next.

Does the formation matter for young players?

A little. Learning the jobs matters more: spread out with the ball, squeeze together without it, and help the teammate who has the ball. A good formation makes those jobs easy to see.

Soccer formations for kids

A soccer formation is the way a team lines up at the start: how many defenders, midfielders and forwards stand in front of the goalkeeper. This guide explains the common formations for 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal, each with a diagram and the job of every player.

Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.

Play it on the island

What is a formation?

A formation is a starting arrangement. It gives every player a first job and a place to return to.
It is written as numbers from the back to the front. A 2-3-1 has two defenders, three midfielders and one forward.
The goalkeeper is usually left out of the numbers. U.S. Soccer counts the keeper first, so the same shape is written 1-2-3-1.
Players do not stay on their spots. They move to help the teammate with the ball, and to protect the goal without it.
The numbers on our diagrams follow a common coaching custom, such as 1 for the goalkeeper and 9 for the striker. Players can wear any shirt number.

7v7 soccer formations

Seven players a side. In the U.S. Soccer standards, the game for under-9s and under-10s. Compare all 4 in the 7v7 guide.

9v9 soccer formations

Nine players a side. In the U.S. Soccer standards, the game for under-11s and under-12s. Compare all 5 in the 9v9 guide.

11v11 soccer formations

The full game, played from under-13 upward. Compare all 4 in the 11v11 guide.

Futsal formations

Five players a side on a hard court, with a smaller ball made to bounce low.

Lessons that teach team shape

Questions about formations

What is a formation in soccer?
The starting arrangement of a team: how many players are in defense, midfield and attack. It gives players starting jobs. They still move as the game changes.
How do you read formation numbers?
From the back to the front, leaving out the goalkeeper. A 4-3-3 is four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. Add a 1 at the start to count the goalkeeper: 1-4-3-3.
What formation should a kids’ team play?
One the players can understand. Common first choices are the 2-3-1 in 7v7, the 3-2-3 in 9v9 and the 4-3-3 in 11v11, because each one leads into the next.
Does the formation matter for young players?
A little. Learning the jobs matters more: spread out with the ball, squeeze together without it, and help the teammate who has the ball. A good formation makes those jobs easy to see.

Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.