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After reading about lineup creation, player positions, and basics of formations, you should have a solid grounding to select your formation for the season. Here are specific recommendations for 5v5 (no keeper) used in our 7u age group.

1-3-1

Pros:

  1. Provides good depth and great width
  2. Solid center provided by CM and CB

Cons:

  1. Mids must be able to support defense
  2. High work rate for mids

2-3

Pros:

  1. Great width
  2. Strong defensive shape

Cons:

  1. Poor depth (2-tier system). Players must be able to build from their half
  2. Backs need to learn how to work together (or risk opponents running free up the middle)

2-2-1

Pros:

  1. Great depth and adequate width
  2. Balanced offense and defense (less work rate required)

Cons:

  1. If backs and mids don’t support well, you end up with a weak center
  2. No positions for less developed players