Modified on April 23, 2022.
When a coach or team selects a 7v7 soccer formation that fits their style of play and matches their talent, the results can be amazing. But when a team uses a formation that doesn’t promote their strengths and exposes their weaknesses, the results can be devastating.
Table of Contents
Soccer Formations
Soccer formations are expressed in order from defenders to attackers. The goalie is always omitted when referring to the formation. So, for example, a 3-2-1 formation would be three (3) fullbacks, two (2) midfielders, and one (1) striker. The goalie is implied, and so they are omitted.
For more information on soccer positions, see the Soccer Positions section in Common Soccer Terms and Their Definitions.
7v7 Soccer Formations & Line-Ups
3 Fullbacks
2 Fullbacks
1 Fullback
Deciding on the the Best 7v7 Formation
Take an Assessment of Your Team
- Do you only have one or two fast players that score goals?
Try a formation with only one or two forwards, like a 2-3-1 or a 1-3-2. - Do you have one or two defensive-minded players that will stay in the center, don’t roam, and have the ability to clear the ball in the back?
Try a formation with only one center back, like a 1-3-2 or a 1-1-2-2. This can be a bit risky unless you have adequate midfielders that can support that one center back. - Do you find that your team is always in the defensive zone and can’t clear the ball?
It might seem a bit counterintuitive, but try adding more forwards and/or midfielders with the intention of stopping the ball higher up the field. An example might be moving from a 3-1-2 to a 2-1-2-1. - Do you find that your team is always beat on the quick transition?
You might have this issue if you have some slower defenders and your midfielders are unable to come back quick enough to support. Giving the slower defenders more support might be the way to go, such as a 3-1-2 or 3-2-1. - Does your team have a tough time defending in the center?
Playing with two fullbacks can sometimes leave wide holes through the center. If you find that your team can’t fill this gap, it may help to switch to a formation like a 2-3-1 or a 2-1-2-1.
Easiest Formations When Starting
If you have a young group of players, or new group of players, and you’re unsure of their strengths and weaknesses, selecting a balanced formation that’s easier to understand might be the best way to go. Some good formations to start with are the 2-3-1 or the 2-1-3 formation. Both of these formations look very similar. They allow for two defenders that are able to support each other while the midfielder provides coverage in the center of the field. See below for examples of the 2-3-1 (green Strikers jersey on the left) and the 2-1-3 (orangeish/pinkish Lightning jersey on the right).
Use the 7v7 interactive tool to see the different formations and how they transition to and from offense and defense.
Always Remember…
When Things Go Wrong
Don’t switch the formation the minute something goes wrong. It takes a while for players and coaches to learn new positions and work as a team, especially when the players are younger. Make sure that the team has enough time to work out some of the issues.
When Things Keep Going Wrong
If the team tried the new formation and they just aren’t improving, don’t keep using it. It would be insanity to keep trying and failing. At some point, the team needs to realize that they tried and it just isn’t going to work. Now, learn from that and try a different formation.
Nothing Stays the Same
If you want to be the best team, not only do you have to play to your strengths but you also need to play to the other teams’ weaknesses. This is when changing your formation to exploit the other team will really help. For example, if you see that the other team lines up with three fullbacks, maybe that 2-3-1 formation won’t look so good.
Or maybe your team really likes their formation. Instead of playing the exact same way, start experimenting based on the game. So, maybe your 2-2-2 becomes a 1-1-2-2 or a 1-2-2-1 on the fly.
Ultimately, once your team learns one formation really well and sees success, try playing around with the positions to see what other formations work for your team.
7v7 Soccer Formations in Action
Regardless of the formation that your team plays, it is important that both the coach and the players to understand the positions and what’s expected of the players. Each player should know their role in the larger formation so that they understand how they can best support their team. They should know what the formation looks like on the transitions to both offense and defense. It’s when the formation falls apart that teams start to show their weaknesses.
7v7 Soccer Formation Tool
The interactive tool below is a guide of common 7v7 formations and the general ranges that players might travel. It also shows what a transition might look like when a team goes to and from offense and defense.
Again, this is only a guide.
Instructions
- Above and below the soccer field are buttons of different 7v7 soccer formations:
- Top buttons: home team formation
- Bottom buttons: away team formation
- Side buttons: transition teams to and from offense and defense, see just one team at a time, and reset to start
- Hovering over a player will show the area where the position usually, but not always, roams.
- Clicking on a player will keep this player’s range visible. Click on several players and see how the positions overlap.
