9v9 Formations
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 9v9.
3-2-3
Pros:
- 4 spots to put less developed players (wings and fullbacks)
- Very strong center
- Excellent width
- Provides good passing and clearing options
- Tends to isolate your forward with opposing centerback
- Transitions well to the popular 4-3-3 formation at 11v11
Cons:
- Higher work rate needed from center mids
- Four strong players needed on the field at all times
This has become the more popular formation among most club organizations however I really like it at the rec level for separate reasons. It matches up very well with the traditionally more popular 3-3-2 formation.
3-3-2
Pros:
- Balanced offense and defense
- 5 spots to put less developed players (outside fullbacks/mids and either forward)
Cons:
- Does not match up well against 3-2-3 in the middle of the field
- Less offensive / easier to cover
Other formations and opinions:
http://www.youthsoccer101plans.com/9v9-formations.html