The shape
Three defenders stretch across the edge of the penalty area, the centre back slightly deeper than the full-backs. One midfielder plays centrally and is the hub of the team. Two forwards spread wide of the opposition centre back. With the ball the full-backs push up alongside the midfielder and it opens into a 1-3-2. Without it the midfielder drops in front of the back three, so the team defends with four and attacks with three.
Roles
- Goalkeeper. Takes goal kicks short to a full-back while the opposition are behind the retreat line. Starts every move with a pass, not a boot.
- Centre Back. The spare defender. Stays goal-side of the ball and lets the full-backs engage. On the ball, plays forward into the midfielder's feet.
- Full-backs. Defend their side and receive goal kicks. With the ball they drive forward or pass inside, then recover to the line.
- Centre Midfielder. Links defence and attack and gets the most touches on the pitch. Must learn to receive side-on and pass to a forward quickly.
- Forwards. Stay apart. One shows for the ball, one runs beyond the last defender. They press the opposition defenders once a goal kick is in play.
Strengths
- Solid: three defenders mean a mistake is usually covered.
- The lone midfielder gets plenty of time on the ball, ideal for a developing passer.
- Clear roles for players who are new to positions.
Weaknesses
- One midfielder is easily outnumbered against 2-3-1 or 1-3-2.
- Three defenders can be under-used in a game with little pressure on them.
- Full-backs who stay deep leave the midfielder passing to nobody.
When to use it
Pick it for a U9 team in its first 7v7 season, or any group that has just moved from 5v5 and finds the extra space daunting. The full-backs become safe outlets on goal kicks, so your keeper is never forced to kick long. Rotate who plays the lone midfield role week to week so it does not belong to one child.
What to coach in training
- Play 3v2 with a keeper where the three defenders must make five passes before playing forward, and the attackers press once the first pass is made. It rehearses the goal kick routine behind the retreat line.
- Run a 4v1 rondo for the midfielder: they are the one in the middle, but on winning the ball they join the four.
- Coach the full-back habit of taking a touch forward on receiving a goal kick before passing. Reward it in every small-sided game for a month.
Works well against
It suits playing against 2-1-3 and 1-2-3, where their three forwards meet your three defenders and your midfielder is only troubled by two forwards who rarely defend. It is an even game against 2-2-2 and 3-2-1. It struggles against 2-3-1 and 1-3-2, which overload your single midfielder, so a full-back may need to step up.
