9v9 soccer formations

U.S. Soccer's example starts with a goalkeeper, three defenders, two staggered midfielders and three forwards, one central and two wide. U.S. Soccer, checked 2026-11-05

Role cards (coaching prompts for the drawn shape, not U.S. Soccer position rules)

• Goalkeeper: Stay behind the defenders, talk to them and start with a safe pass when your team has the ball.
• Center back: Stay central, talk to the outside backs and look for a safe pass into midfield.
• Outside back: Offer a wide passing option; join forward when a teammate can cover the space behind.
• Holding midfielder: One of the two midfielders takes the deeper role. Stay connected to the defenders, scan before receiving and offer a pass out of pressure.
• Higher midfielder: The other midfielder stands a little higher. Link the holding midfielder with the three forwards and look for the next forward pass.
• Wide forward (winger): Hold width to offer a forward pass; when the ball is on the other side, move toward the far post or a central passing lane.
• Central forward: Give the team a forward target and connect play with the wide forwards.

With the ball

1. Spread the three forwards to give the player on the ball a forward option on either side.
2. Stagger the midfield pair so the first pass is not hidden behind a teammate.
3. Let an outside back move forward when a midfielder can cover the space behind.

Without the ball

1. Recover behind the ball before pressing as a group.
2. Keep the two midfielders at different depths so one can protect the space in front of the defense.
3. The far-side winger tucks in enough to help the team stay connected.

A fit to consider: This shape gives the team three forward starting spots, including two wide positions. It asks the midfield pair to cover the central connection between the lines.

Watch for: If both midfielders move forward together, the space in front of the back three can open. Agree which player holds that space as the ball moves.

Try these sideline cues: “Find the wide lane.” · “One holds, one goes.” · “Can you see the next pass?”

The 3-3-2 is a coaching option on this page, not a U.S. Soccer example. Its rows show three defenders, three midfielders and two forwards. Use the middle row to connect the back line to the front pair.

Role cards

• Goalkeeper: Stay behind the defenders, talk to them and start with a safe pass when your team has the ball.
• Center back: Organize the central space and find a midfielder who can face forward.
• Outside back: Give the team a wide outlet and check who covers if you move up.
• Wide midfielders (two): Give the team width, then recover beside the central midfielder when defending.
• Central (holding) midfielder: Stay in front of the defenders, offer a safe pass, connect both sides and check your shoulder before receiving.
• Striker pair: One forward checks toward the ball while the other stays higher or moves into the space ahead. Swap jobs when the first pass is made.

With the ball

1. Start with the midfield three spread across the field.
2. Let one forward check short while the partner stays beyond the ball.
3. Use a wide midfielder as an outlet when the center is crowded.

Without the ball

1. Bring the midfield line behind the ball before closing down.
2. Keep one forward available for an outlet and the other close enough to support.
3. Protect the middle first; guide play toward a side together.

A fit to consider: The front pair can support one another, and a three-player midfield offers another passing line through the center.

Watch for: If the wide midfielders stay high, the outside backs may be left with a large area to defend. Agree on a recovery cue before the game.

Try these sideline cues: “One checks, one stretches.” · “Midfield, stay connected.” · “Show them outside.”

U.S. Soccer's U11–U12 guide says to provide opportunities for players to experience all positions. Print the blank planner below and fill it in by hand to keep track of those opportunities over your team's own schedule. U.S. Soccer age-group guide, checked 2026-11-05

Roster (write 12, 13 or 14 names; assign nine starting places and list the remaining players as available substitutes)

Match planner

After the game: Mark each role a player tried and note who is next for a different role.

Formation numbers and position jobs · Soccer positions explained: roles and cues

U.S. Soccer's example moves from 1-3-2-3 at U11–U12 to 1-4-3-3 at U13+. The rows add one defender and one midfielder and keep the goalkeeper and three forwards. U.S. Soccer formations, checked 2026-11-05

In the pictures: The first pair under "Compare five 9v9 to 11v11 transitions" shows the 3-2-3 next to the 4-3-3, with the new defender and the new midfielder.

Keep the same questions as the team adjusts: who protects the center, who offers the next pass, and who supports the forward line? U.S. Soccer says formations change as players play different game formats.