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Soccer 101

U.S. Youth Soccer is the largest league in the U.S. and follows the following structure (U6 is for 6 years old and younger)

Professional teams use a number system to identify positions 1-11. The role of each position varies with the formation used.

Formations are described by the number of positions in each line starting with the defensive line working towards offense; the goalie position is typically assumed.

Common positions across recreation, competitive, and professional leagues.

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Formation Details & Game Templates

Scroll through to see full details of all offered Wrist Coach formations. Click on the image to download your FREE game templates.

4v4 1-2-1

The 1-2-1 formation introduces young soccer players to important fundamentals

Numbers 1-4 are used to simplify position assignments and orientation for young kids

The “diamond” shape is an easy visual for young kids to quickly understand

The diamond opens up the field and provides width, depth, and a balanced distribution

The three basic lines of soccer formations are introduced: offense / forward, midfield, and defense

Formation provides passing options by creating triangles

Player can learn to move around the field with the flow of the game, covering each other defensively or supporting an attack as needed

7v7 2-3-1

The 2-3-1 formation is balanced enabling players to spread game wide and deep

Creates a strong defensive position without overloading the back line

3 midfielders support both the defense and the striker

LM & RM create width in the attack while the CM can play up as an attacking mid or back as a defending mid depending on the match up and strategy

2-3-1 formation transitions well into 9v9 formations: 3-4-1, 2-4-2, and 2-3-2-1

Pros:

Simple, balanced and spread out
Strong mid-line creates flexibility

Cons:

CM need to help the back line
Only one striker can get isolated

7v7 3-2-1

The 3-2-1 formation is heavy on defense providing stability

The CD typically plays up to support attacks with the LD & RD covering in back

Option to build attack out of the back line with three defenders and 2 mids

3-2-1 formation transitions well into 9v9 formations: 4-3-1, 3-2-3, and 3-3-2

Pros:

Strong defensively, hard to score on
Players don’t need to be as skilled

Cons:

Striker isolated, difficult to score
CD playing up can be confusing to the back line

7v7 3-1-2

The 3-1-2 formation balances a solid defense with 2 dedicated strikers

Three players on the back line eliminates gaps or confusion that can come with only 2
defenders

Two forwards increases scoring opportunities, work off of each other

The formation is very spread out which can leave the CM isolated; defenders and strikers need
to be responsive and support where needed

3-1-2 formation transitions well into 9v9 formations: 3-3-2, 3-2-3, and 4-2-2

Pros:

Strong defensively and offensively

Formation is spread out

Cons:

CM has to work hard, can get isolated
Defenders and strikers need to support the open midfield

7v7 2-1-2-1

The 2-1-2-1 formation is similar to the 2-3-1 formation with more dedicated focus on defense and offense

The DM supports the back line allowing the LM & RM to push up for a more dedicated offense role

Strong possession and passing is required of the DM, stopping attacks defensively and then leading attacks offensively

2-1-2-1 formation transitions well into 9v9 formations: 3-2-3, 2-3-2-1 and 2-1-4-1

Pros:

Cleaner role definition, defense vs offense focus
3 dedicated to offense attack provides a lot of freedom for creativity

Cons:

Requires midfield to work well together or team can feel divided
Hard to create width

9v9 3-4-1

3-4-1 is a formidable albeit conservative formation

Midfielders need to be very active offensively to support singular ST

Wings can push up into a modified 3-2-3 formation to lead attacks from the touchline and support the Striker

Two central midfielders creates strength in the middle of the field, and can control the game with strong possession and passing

3-4-1 formation transitions well into 11v11 formations: 4-4-2, 4-5-1, and 3-4-3

Pros:

Strong defensively with width
Easy to adapt offensively into 3-2-3

Cons:

ST can become isolated if midfield hangs back
Transition to 3-2-3 can be confusing

9v9 4-3-1

4-3-1 is a strong defensive formation that introduces the popular back 4 structure

The strong backline supports having LD & RD play as wingbacks staying near their touchline and helping on the attack

Offensive strategy can build on a defensive arc line leading the attack with strong possession and passing

LM & RM need to actively support the striker

4-3-1 formation transitions well into 11v11 formations: 4-3-3, 4-4-2, and 4-2-3-1

Pros:

Strong defensively
Intro to back 4 and Wingbacks

Cons:

Wingbacks need to get back on defense or leave the back exposed
Team won’t have width if Wingbacks don’t push up

9v9 3-3-2

3-3-2 is a simple, well balanced formation that provides two attackers at the top

Even distribution spreads out the field facilitating strong possession

Simple formation is easy to explain; a strong CM can effectively control the game

3-3-2 formation transitions well into 11v11 formations: 4-4-2, and 3-5-2

Pros:

Simple, solid and easy to explain
Players are spread out helping control & possession

Cons:

Dispersed formation means midfielders can get overrun

9v9 3-2-3

3-2-3 is a balanced formation that creates width on the attack and strength in the back

On offense, a 3 strong front line allows the two wings to open up the field

3 defenders protects the back with the option to pull the wings back and flex to a 3-4-1 formation when needed for additional support

The 3-2-3 structure creates angles all over the field with two strong midfielders active
on attacks and defense

3-2-3 formation is a good precursor to a front 3 11v11 formations such as 4-3-3 and
3-4-3

Pros:

Balanced, spread out formation
Strength in offense and defense

Cons:

Wings need to support the two midfielders; they need to be hard-working and fast