11v11 Formation Guide - Practice Prepped

Age Group: U13+
Field Size: Full-size (approx. 110×70 yards)
Players: 10 field players + goalkeeper

🟦 4-3-3 — Modern Standard

Setup:

4 Defenders: 2 CBs, LB, RB
3 Midfielders: 6 (pivot), 8 (box-to-box), 10 (creator)
3 Forwards: LW, CF, RW

Strengths:

Balanced width, depth, and central control
Flexible: easily shifts into 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1
Supports both pressing and possession-based play
Encourages fluid movement between lines
Aligns with many professional game models

Weaknesses:

Fullbacks must cover lots of ground
Wide forwards must press and recover defensively
Requires strong understanding from central midfield trio

Player Traits Needed:

Pivot (#6) who organizes and distributes
Fullbacks with stamina and timing
Wingers who stretch the field and combine
Striker comfortable receiving back to goal or running in behind

Best Use:

For teams focused on ball control, quick transitions, and high pressing
Excellent for player development and Game Model alignment
Ideal if you have a reliable #6 and athletic fullbacks

🟩 4-2-3-1 — Structured & Flexible

Setup:

4 Defenders
2 Holding Midfielders (double pivot)
3 Attacking Midfielders (10 + 2 wide mids)
1 Striker

Strengths:

Very solid defensively with two pivots
Central overload and attacking width
Easily transitions into 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 defensively
Offers clear roles and zones for players

Weaknesses:

Can isolate the striker if lines stretch
Requires high work rate from attacking mids
Needs players to understand vertical relationships

Player Traits Needed:

Two disciplined, passing-savvy #6s
10 with vision and mobility
Wingers who track and transition quickly
Striker able to press and hold the ball under pressure

Best Use:

When facing teams with strong central midfield
For possession or counterattack-based models
Ideal when players are still learning roles and transitions

🟥 3-5-2 — Overload & Transition-Oriented

Setup:

3 Center Backs
2 Wingbacks (LWB, RWB)
3 Central Midfielders (often 6–8–10)
2 Strikers

Strengths:

Strong central presence and midfield overload
Wingbacks provide width and create overloads wide
Two forwards put pressure on the opposition backline
Excellent transition shape when executed well

Weaknesses:

Requires very fit wingbacks
Susceptible to wide overloads on quick switches
Demands good chemistry between back 3 and pivots

Player Traits Needed:

Mobile, intelligent wingbacks
Center backs comfortable covering space
Central mids who rotate and support both ends
Strikers who combine and split defenders

Best Use:

For aggressive pressing or counterattacking
When you want midfield dominance
Teams with strong central players and committed wide runners

🟨 4-4-2 (Flat or Diamond) — Classic & Direct

Setup:

4 Defenders
4 Midfielders: Flat line (LM, 2 CMs, RM) or Diamond (6–8–10–wide mids)
2 Strikers

Strengths:

Simple roles and structure — easy to teach
Good balance between defense and attack
Twin strikers create constant forward pressure
Compact shape can frustrate opponents

Weaknesses:

Outnumbered in midfield by 3-man central shapes
Flat version lacks vertical connections
Wide mids must do lots of work in both phases

Player Traits Needed:

Central mids with high work rate
Wingers who can defend and deliver
Strikers who play off each other and press
CBs who can defend in a compact line

Best Use:

For direct styles, counterattacking, or pressing blocks
Teams that emphasize simplicity and structure
Matches where midfield congestion is minimal

Summary Table

Formation	Style of Play	Strengths	Challenges
4-3-3	Possession / Pressing	Balanced, flexible, encourages width	Requires positional awareness and energy
4-2-3-1	Structured / Tactical	Double pivot offers control and shape	Can isolate striker without support
3-5-2	Central Overload	Midfield dominance, dual strikers	Wingback workload, wide space exposed
4-4-2	Direct / Press	Simple, clear roles, good for pressing	Outnumbered in midfield, lacks verticality