3-5-2 soccer formation (11v11)

3-5-2 (11v11) diagram

Coaches write this shape in two ways. 3-5-2 counts the 10 outfield players, from the defense forward. U.S. Soccer counts the goalkeeper first and writes 1-3-5-2. Both mean the same formation. The numbers on the dots are a common coaching custom, not a rule: players can wear any shirt number.

Who plays where

• Goalkeeper (1). Protects the goal and gives the three center backs a pass behind them.
• Three center backs (4, 5 and 6). The middle one covers. The outer two step out to the sides when a wing-back is beaten.
• Two wing-backs (2 and 3). Own the whole side. They attack like wingers and defend like fullbacks.
• Three central midfielders (7, 8 and 10). Protect the inside routes and keep the ball moving from side to side.
• Two strikers (9 and 11). Work as a pair. One comes short, one runs behind.

Strengths of the 3-5-2

• Three center backs and three central midfielders make the middle very strong.
• Two strikers keep the other team’s center backs busy.
• Wing-backs give width without using a forward.

Weak spots and how to cover them

• There is space behind a wing-back who has gone forward.

  How to cover it: The outer center back on that side slides across, and the other two shift over. Lesson: Slide Across Together.

• A wing-back who presses at the wrong time leaves a winger free.

  How to cover it: The wing-back goes only when the touch is slow and a center back covers the winger behind. Lesson: Back Five: When Can the Wing-back Go?.

• Only one player is wide on each side.

  How to cover it: A central midfielder or a striker moves out to help make two against one.

How the 3-5-2 moves

Who it suits

Older, fitter players, usually 14 and up. The wing-back job is the hardest running job on the team, so the squad needs more than two players who can do it.

Questions about the 3-5-2

• Is 3-5-2 the same as 5-3-2?

  They are the same players in different moments. With the ball, the wing-backs are high and it looks like 3-5-2. Without the ball, they drop beside the center backs and it looks like 5-3-2.

• What is the difference between a wing-back and a fullback?

  A fullback starts in a back four and has a winger in front. A wing-back starts higher, outside three center backs, and has the whole side alone.

• Is 3-5-2 good for youth teams?

  It can be for older players. Younger teams often find a back four simpler, because the fullback and winger share the side. Three at the back asks the outer center backs to defend wide spaces.

Lessons that teach this shape

• Back Five: When Can the Wing-back Go? (11v11 lesson)A wing-back presses only when the touch is slow and a center back covers the winger behind. When that cue is gone, recover.
• 4-3-3 vs 5-3-2: Find the Checking Midfielder (11v11 lesson)When their wing-backs block your fullbacks, an eight checks short to get free. If a defender follows the eight, pass to the fullback instead.
• Slide Across Together (11v11 lesson)Follow the danger as a group. Don’t leave a big gap for the next pass.
• Front Five, Safety Five: Protect Two Lines (11v11 lesson)While five attack, two midfielders screen and three defenders stay back. If a pass beats the screen, recover inside.

Keep reading

• 11v11 soccer formations4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 compared, with diagrams
• 4-3-3 (11v11) formationTeams with wingers who like to attack.
• 4-4-2 (11v11) formationTeams that want simple lines and two strikers.
• 4-2-3-1 (11v11) formationTeams with a creative attacking midfielder.
• Soccer positions explained for kids9 positions and the numbers 1 to 11 explained, each with a diagram
• All soccer formations16 formations for 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal, each with a diagram