3-1-3-1 soccer formation (9v9)

3-1-3-1 (9v9) diagram

Coaches write this shape in two ways. 3-1-3-1 counts the 8 outfield players, from the defense forward. U.S. Soccer counts the goalkeeper first and writes 1-3-1-3-1. 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). Protects the goal and gives the back three a safe pass backward.
• Three defenders (2, 3 and 4). Each can have a forward to mark, so they stay close together and talk a lot.
• Holding midfielder (6). The holder stays in front of the defenders. Takes the ball from them and passes it forward.
• Wide attacking midfielders (7 and 11). Attack along the sides and cross or cut inside. Run back to help when the ball is lost.
• Central attacking midfielder (10). Plays just behind the striker. Drops back to help the holder when the other team has the ball.
• Striker (9). The highest player. Gives depth and finishes attacks.

Strengths of the 3-1-3-1

• Four attackers arrive near the other goal.
• The holder gives the defenders an easy pass in the middle.
• Players learn the 6, 10 and 9 jobs they will meet in 11v11.

Weak spots and how to cover them

• The single holder can be outnumbered right after the ball is lost.

  How to cover it: The central attacking midfielder runs back to share the job. Lesson: 3-1-3-1: Help the Single Holder.

• If the wide midfielders stay high, the outside backs face two attackers.

  How to cover it: The wide midfielder on the ball side tracks back. The far one can stay a little higher.

• There is a lot of space either side of the holder.

  How to cover it: The three defenders step up to keep the team short.

How the 3-1-3-1 moves

Who it suits

Teams aged 11 and 12 that like to attack and have one player who is happy to stay behind the ball.

Questions about the 3-1-3-1

• What does the holding midfielder do in a 3-1-3-1?

  The holder stays between the defenders and the attackers. With the ball, the holder is the link. Without it, the holder slows the other team down in the middle until help arrives.

• Is 3-1-3-1 an attacking formation?

  Yes. It starts with four players ahead of the holder. The price is that those players must run back when the ball is lost, starting with the central attacking midfielder.

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

  In a 3-1-3-1 one midfielder holds and one plays high behind the striker. In a 3-2-3 the two midfielders play side by side. The wide players and the back three are much the same.

Lessons that teach this shape

• 3-1-3-1: Help the Single Holder (9v9 lesson)Three-one-three-one has one holder behind three attacking midfielders and a striker. When the ball is lost, the central attacking midfielder can help that single holder.
• 3-2-3: Know Your Unit (9v9 lesson)Understand nine players, three outfield units, and cover behind an advancing defender.
• Lose It: Recover or Approach (9v9 lesson)Recover toward goal when pressure cannot arrive; approach when cover is ready.
• One Presses, One Covers (9v9 lesson)Approach the ball with support behind; adjust cover when the attack moves.

Keep reading

• 9v9 soccer formations3-2-3, 3-3-2, 2-3-2-1, 3-1-3-1 and 4-3-1 compared, with diagrams
• 3-2-3 (9v9) formationMost teams. Wide forwards and a clear back three.
• 3-3-2 (9v9) formationTeams with two forwards who work as a pair.
• 2-3-2-1 (9v9) formationTeams that keep the ball well.
• 4-3-1 (9v9) formationGetting ready for a back four in 11v11.
• 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