7v7 soccer lineup builder

How to build your lineup

1. Choose the game and the formation. The field and the dots change to match.
2. Type a first name or nickname for each position, and add your substitutes.
3. Tap a player, then tap another player or a substitute to swap them. On a computer you can drag, or use Tab, the arrow keys and Enter.
4. Add your team name and a match note such as the kick-off time.
5. Press Print for a one-page sheet, Download picture for a PNG, or Copy link to send the lineup to someone.

About 7v7 lineups

7v7 is the game US teams play at U9 and U10: a goalkeeper and six outfield players on a small field. Most squads have ten to twelve children, so the bench matters as much as the starting seven. Put every child on the sheet, starters and substitutes, before you leave the house.

At this age nobody should own a position. Save a lineup, then swap two players for the second half and print both. A child who plays in defense one week and up front the next learns the whole game.

Who plays where in a 2-3-1

The builder opens with the 2-3-1 (7v7) formation. These are its jobs; the 2-3-1 guide has the strengths, the weak spots and how the shape moves.

• Goalkeeper (1). Stops shots and starts attacks. In 7v7 the keeper rolls, throws or passes to a nearby teammate.
• Two defenders (2 and 3). Protect the route to your goal. With the ball they move apart, so the keeper has a pass on each side.
• Wide midfielders (7 and 11). Stay wide to stretch the other team. They go up to help the forward and back to help the defenders.
• Middle midfielder (8). Links everyone. Moves to give the player with the ball one more passing angle.
• Forward (9). Gives the team a target up the field. First to chase when the ball is lost.

Questions about the 7v7 soccer lineup builder

• What is the best 7v7 formation to start with?

  Most coaches start with a 2-3-1: two defenders, three midfielders and one forward in front of the goalkeeper. It gives width in the middle and is easy for young players to understand.

• How many substitutes should a 7v7 team have?

  Three to five is common, which makes a squad of ten to twelve. With more than that it becomes hard to give every child a fair share of the game.

• Does the 7v7 field in the builder have build-out lines?

  Yes. The two dashed lines are the build-out lines used in US 7v7. The other team waits behind the line while your goalkeeper restarts play, so show your defenders where to stand to receive the ball.

Formations and more tools

• 2-3-1 (7v7) formationMost teams. A balanced first shape.
• 3-2-1 (7v7) formationTeams that let in a lot of goals.
• 2-2-2 (7v7) formationNew players. Pairs are easy to understand.
• 3-1-2 (7v7) formationTeams with two strong forwards.
• 7v7 soccer formationsHow to choose a shape, with a diagram of each
• 7v7 formations cheat sheetEvery shape of this game on one printable page
• Soccer playing time calculatorA fair substitution plan for the same squad
• Soccer lineup builderNames on a field diagram for 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 or futsal: print, picture or link
• 9v9 soccer lineup builderNine starters and the bench on a 9v9 field
• 11v11 soccer lineup builderA starting eleven on a full-size field
• Futsal lineup builderFive starters and rolling subs on a futsal court