Formations

There is not one formation that is better than another — a shape is picked for the players you have, or for the system they move into next. Positions show players where to stand; positional play teaches them how to play.

4-3-3

1-4-3-3

What it buys you

Option of building out of the back with the four defenders and three midfielders
Allows the outside backs to push up into space
Numbers up in attack allows a quick counterattack
Three forwards should allow a high pressing game, winning the ball back immediately on losing possession

What it asks of you

Could be outnumbered in midfield and vulnerable in wide areas
Requires the wide players to work together with a high work rate and recover into midfield
Midfielders must be disciplined about when to join the attack versus keeping shape

Every position's job

#1: Goalkeeper — patient in the build-up, look to play out of the back, but can play direct
#9: Striker — times runs well, plays on the shoulder of the last defender
#10: Attacking mid — drops between the opposition's back line and midfield to receive; creative on the ball; drops back when not in possession
#2,3: Outside backs — get wide in the build-up and move forward with the ball; compact and force play wide when not in possession
#4,5: Center backs — stay deep in the build-up so the ball can be played back to switch the point of attack; stay central, organize, may step into central midfield to support
#6,8: Center mids — very mobile with high fitness; maintain possession with a good range of short and long passing
#7,11: Wingers — stay wide in possession to create 1v1 situations

THE BRIDGE TARGET. The transcripts' coach picked 3-3-2 at 9v9 partly because it bridges into this shape — the back line still steps together, the central three still rotate together. For a U12 coach reading ahead, this is the page that shows where the season's shape is going.

4-4-2

1-4-4-2

What it buys you

Easier formation for players to understand
Midfield shape can be flat or a diamond
Two central strikers occupy the opposing center backs; forwards must learn diagonal and checking runs
Can make two very solid defensive lines, compact for the opposition to break

What it asks of you

The opposing team's outside backs may be hard to contain
Long runs up and back for
Requires coordinated movement between the forwards
Outside backs must be able to move forward and add to the attack

Every position's job

#1: Goalkeeper — patient in the build-up, look to play out of the back, but can play direct
#9: Striker — times runs well, plays on the shoulder of the last defender
#10: Striker — drops between the opposition's back line and midfield to receive; creative on the ball; drops back when not in possession
#2,3: Outside backs — get wide in the build-up and move forward with the ball; compact and force play wide when not in possession
#4,5: Center backs — stay deep in the build-up to switch the point of attack; stay central, organize, may step into central midfield to support
#6,8: Center mids — very mobile with high fitness; maintain possession with a good range of short and long passing
#7,11: Outside midfielders — stay wide in possession to create 1v1s; squeeze in centrally when not in possession; dynamic runs

From your club's coaching-education material. A formation is where you start a kickoff — it is not where they stand, and it is not lanes they run up and down.