A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 01 · Formation guide

The 2-3-1

Moving from 5v5 to 7v7 means two more players and more decisions. The 2-3-1 gives us a starting picture: two defenders, three midfielders and a striker, supported by the goalkeeper. Four simple ideas help players play together, without locking anyone into a role.

✓ Coaching reviewed · 22 October 2026

Written by Niall Walsh, grassroots football coach and founder of How We Play. Coaching reviewed by David Wilson on 22 October 2026.

Chapter 1

Starting shape

Two defenders, three midfielders, a striker and our goalkeeper.

Starting shape: 1-2-3-1Seven players attack upwards: goalkeeper at the bottom; left defender 3 and right defender 2; left midfielder 11, central midfielder 8 and right midfielder 7; striker 9 highest. Positions illustrate a possible starting shape, not compulsory running lanes.GK3211879
A starting picture, not somewhere we have to stay. Let players try different roles. Illustrated by How We Play from reviewed coaching guidance.

This shape gives us

  • two defenders learning to support each other
  • width from the wide midfielders
  • a central midfielder linking both ends
  • a striker who can offer depth or a short pass
  • simple decisions when possession changes

Our spine runs through the middle: GK, 8, 9 (with 3 and 2 protecting together).

Notation
1-2-3-1 (including goalkeeper) · 2-3-1 (outfield)
Defenders
2
Midfield
3
Forwards
1

Chapter 2

Our four playing principles

Four small decisions players can recognise on the pitch.

  1. Give two options

    The two defenders spread out to offer clear passes; 8 can support ahead.

    “Can our keeper see two choices?”
  2. Big with it, small without it

    11 and 7 stretch the pitch in possession and recover inside without it.

    “Ball ours? Wide. Ball theirs? Closer.”
  3. One presses, one covers

    Two defenders work as a pair, not both chasing the same opponent.

    “If your mate goes, where do you cover?”
  4. Lose it, find home

    The closest player slows the attack while teammates recover to protect the middle.

    “Who slows them? Where do I help?”

Chapter 3

A job for every player

A role to start with, and an opportunity to try another.

  1. GKGoalkeeperStart us playing Ask yourself: Can I see two good choices?
  2. 3 · 2The two defendersGive options. Protect together. Ask yourself: If my partner goes, where should I be?
  3. 8Central midfielderConnect the team Ask yourself: Can I help the player on the ball?
  4. 11 · 7Wide midfieldersWide with it. Closer without. Ask yourself: Where is the ball, and who needs me?
  5. 9StrikerGive us somewhere to play Ask yourself: Do we need a short pass or space ahead?

Chapter 4

Playing together

How we give options in possession and help each other without it.

When we have the ball

  1. Principle 1Give two optionsThe two defenders spread out to offer clear passes; 8 can support ahead.
  2. Principle 2Big with it, small without it11 and 7 stretch the pitch in possession and recover inside without it.
  3. Partnership · 11 and 7Wide midfieldersWide with it. Closer without.

When they have the ball

  1. Principle 3One presses, one coversTwo defenders work as a pair, not both chasing the same opponent.
  2. Principle 4Lose it, find homeThe closest player slows the attack while teammates recover to protect the middle.
  3. Partnership · 3 and 2The two defendersGive options. Protect together.

The playbook

Issue 01 in print

A printable edition of this issue to share with players and parents, built from the same content as these pages. Free, no email, no payment. It isn't released yet.

More features for this issue, such as restarts and matchday guidance, will be added only once they've been written and reviewed.