Formation library
Football formations, explained
How each shape works in and out of possession, who it suits and how to coach it — with a diagram you can open straight in the tactics board.
4-3-3
Width, a midfield triangle and three forwards who can press high.
4-4-2
Two banks of four and a strike partnership — simple, compact, effective.
4-2-3-1
A double pivot for security and a creative three behind the striker.
4-1-4-1
Midfield control with a screening holding player.
4-3-1-2
A narrow midfield three, a playmaker and two strikers.
4-4-1-1
Solidity of a 4-4-2 with a link player between midfield and attack.
3-5-2
Three centre-backs, wing-backs and a strike partnership.
3-4-3
An attacking back three with a front three.
3-4-2-1
Two 10s behind a striker, with wing-backs for width.
5-3-2
A deep back five built on defensive solidity.
5-4-1
The most defensive mainstream shape: two compact lines and a lone forward.
4-2-2-2
A box midfield that overloads the centre.
4-1-2-1-2 (Diamond)
The midfield diamond: control through the middle and two strikers.
3-2-4-1
The modern build-up box: a back three, a double pivot and five attackers.
2-3-5 (Pyramid)
The historic pyramid — and a modern attacking structure in possession.
Small-sided formations
Shapes for 5-a-side, 7-a-side and 9-a-side football. Open any of them in the tactics board to adapt for your team.
3-3-2 (9v9)
9-a-side
Open in tactics board →3-2-3 (9v9)
9-a-side
Open in tactics board →2-4-2 (9v9)
9-a-side
Open in tactics board →3-4-1 (9v9)
9-a-side
Open in tactics board →2-3-1 (7v7)
7-a-side
Open in tactics board →3-2-1 (7v7)
7-a-side
Open in tactics board →2-1-2-1 (7v7)
7-a-side
Open in tactics board →3-1-2 (7v7)
7-a-side
Open in tactics board →1-2-1 Diamond (5v5)
5-a-side
Open in tactics board →2-2 Box (5v5)
5-a-side
Open in tactics board →2-1-1 (5v5)
5-a-side
Open in tactics board →1-1-2 (5v5)
5-a-side
Open in tactics board →