3-2-1 soccer formation (7v7)

3-2-1 (7v7) diagram

Coaches write this shape in two ways. 3-2-1 counts the 6 outfield players, from the defense forward. U.S. Soccer counts the goalkeeper first and writes 1-3-2-1. 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). Guards the goal and is always a safe pass behind the three defenders.
• Center back (4). Stays in the middle of the back three and covers behind the other two.
• Outside backs (2 and 3). Defend the sides. With the ball they make the outside route, because nobody else starts wide.
• Two midfielders (6 and 8). Work as a pair. One goes to the ball, the other stays close behind to help.
• Forward (9). Stays high to stretch the field and holds the ball until help arrives.

Strengths of the 3-2-1

• Three defenders cover the width of the field, so it is hard to get behind them.
• The center back can cover while an outside back steps out to the ball.
• Simple jobs for new players at the back.

Weak spots and how to cover them

• Nobody starts wide in midfield, so attacks can get stuck in the middle.

  How to cover it: An outside back moves up the side to give the wide pass, and the center back covers behind. Lesson: Three Backs: Make the Outside Route.

• Two midfielders can be outnumbered by three.

  How to cover it: The forward drops in to help, or an outside back steps into midfield.

• The forward has little help near goal.

  How to cover it: One midfielder runs past the forward when the ball goes up. The other stays.

How the 3-2-1 moves

Who it suits

New 7v7 teams, teams that give away many chances, and games against a faster opponent. As players grow in confidence, the outside backs can attack more.

Questions about the 3-2-1

• Is 3-2-1 too defensive for kids?

  Not if the outside backs join the attack. With three at the back there is always cover, so one outside back can go forward safely. If all three stay back, the team has too few players ahead of the ball.

• What is the difference between 3-2-1 and 2-3-1?

  Where the wide players start. In a 3-2-1 the wide players are defenders who move up. In a 2-3-1 they are midfielders who drop back. The 3-2-1 starts safer. The 2-3-1 starts with more players in midfield.

• Who gives width in a 3-2-1?

  The outside backs. When your team has the ball, the outside back on that side moves up along the sideline to offer a pass. The other two defenders slide across to cover.

Lessons that teach this shape

• Three Backs: Make the Outside Route (7v7 lesson)Without wide midfielders, an outside back can create width, then return inside when the forward route closes.
• A Formation Gives Us Options (7v7 lesson)Use the jobs of the back line, midfield and forward to find a missing wide or supporting option.
• Stay Between the Ball and Goal (7v7 lesson)Move with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.
• Your Keeper Can Help (7v7 lesson)Pass back to your keeper when the way is clear. The keeper must play it with their feet, not hands. If it's covered, pick another teammate.

Keep reading

• 7v7 soccer formations2-3-1, 3-2-1, 2-2-2 and 3-1-2 compared, with diagrams
• 2-3-1 (7v7) formationMost teams. A balanced first shape.
• 2-2-2 (7v7) formationNew players. Pairs are easy to understand.
• 3-1-2 (7v7) formationTeams with two strong forwards.
• 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