The shape
Two defenders stand either side of the goal area, a midfielder sits in the middle of the pitch and a forward stays high. It looks like a T with a long stem. With the ball the defenders split wider and the midfielder drops to collect, so the team keeps the ball with three at the back. Without it there is a solid block of two defenders and a midfielder with the keeper behind, and the forward alone up the pitch waiting for a clearance.
Roles
- Goalkeeper. Has two short goal kick options and should never need to kick long. Talks to the defenders about who takes the ball.
- Defenders. A pair who stay together. One goes to the ball, the other covers the goal. They pass to each other and to the midfielder rather than clearing long.
- Midfielder. Links the defenders and the forward. Runs the most and must learn to pass early before the forward wanders off.
- Forward. Stays central so the midfielder can find them. Holds the ball up when it arrives and shoots when there is a chance.
Strengths
- Hard to score against with three players always back.
- Two defenders can pass to each other to keep the ball.
- Simple for children who are new to the game.
Weaknesses
- Only one forward, who can go a long time without a touch.
- Defenders stand still and watch when the team attacks.
- Few goals unless the midfielder joins the forward.
When to use it
Use it for a few weeks when a U7 team is losing heavily and the children are losing heart, or against a side much stronger than yours. It steadies things and gives two nervous players a job near the goal. It is not a shape to teach the game from, because it gives the fewest attacking touches, so move back to 1-2-1 as soon as confidence returns.
What to coach in training
- Play 2v2 plus keeper where the two defenders must pass three times before clearing. It teaches them to keep the ball rather than boot it.
- Run a 1v1 to goal for the midfielder with the forward as a wall pass option, so they use the forward rather than dribble past everyone.
- Set a step-up rule in a small game: when your team has the ball, both defenders must be past a cone line at halfway or the goal does not count.
Works well against
It holds up well against 1-1-2 and 1-3, whose extra forwards meet two defenders and a keeper, and against 2-2 if the midfielder tracks back. It struggles to get the ball against 1-2-1, where two midfielders outnumber your one and the game is played in your half.
