7v7 · Issue 02 · Formation guide
The 3-2-1
The 3-2-1 gives us three defenders, two midfielders and a striker, supported by our goalkeeper. It's another way to organise 7v7: the back three can protect one another, but the team must still find width and make sure our striker isn't left on their own. The answer isn't to tell children to stand still. It's to give them four small decisions they can practise and change as they learn.
Chapter 1
Starting shape
Three defenders, two midfielders, a striker and the goalkeeper.
This shape gives us
- three defenders supporting one another behind the ball
- a chance for an outside defender to provide width
- a midfield pair that can support at different heights
- a striker who can come short or threaten forward space
- simple team decisions that balance support and protection
Our spine runs through the middle: GK, 5 and 9, with 11 and 7 finding different spaces to connect them.
- Notation
- 1-3-2-1 (including goalkeeper) · 3-2-1 (outfield)
- Defenders
- 3
- Midfield
- 2
- Forwards
- 1
Chapter 2
Our four playing principles
Four simple decisions that connect our defenders, midfielders and striker.
- Use the back three
A centre-back and two outside defenders help create different passing angles when the ball starts with our goalkeeper.
“Can our keeper see a pass?” - One goes, two protect
An outside defender can support play on the wing if the other two defenders are ready to protect us.
“One goes. Where are the other two?” - One short, one higher
One midfielder offers a shorter pass while the other can support the striker on a higher line.
“Can we give two different passes?” - Don't leave nine alone
One midfielder moves near enough to link with the striker, with another option behind and the defenders connected.
“Who's close enough to help nine?”
Chapter 3
A job for every player
One team with five starting role groups and opportunities to rotate.
- GKGoalkeeperLook first. Give us a start. Ask yourself: Which pass can I actually make?
- 5Centre-backConnect and protect Ask yourself: Is the middle protected?
- 3 · 2Outside defendersDefend your side. Know when to join in. Ask yourself: Should I go, or am I the cover?
- 11 · 7The two midfieldersDifferent angles, together Ask yourself: Where is my partner? What can I offer?
- 9StrikerShow short or stretch the pitch Ask yourself: Do we need a short pass or space ahead?
Chapter 4
Playing together
How we build, find width, create different options and recover.
When we have the ball
- Principle 1Use the back threeA centre-back and two outside defenders help create different passing angles when the ball starts with our goalkeeper.
- Principle 2One goes, two protectAn outside defender can support play on the wing if the other two defenders are ready to protect us.
- Partnership · 3 and 2Outside defendersDefend your side. Know when to join in.
Connecting to the striker
- Principle 3One short, one higherOne midfielder offers a shorter pass while the other can support the striker on a higher line.
- Principle 4Don't leave nine aloneOne midfielder moves near enough to link with the striker, with another option behind and the defenders connected.
- Partnership · 11 and 7The two midfieldersDifferent angles, together
The playbook
Issue 02 in print
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