Small-sided formations · 9v9

9v9 soccer formations (9-a-side football). Which shape to play, and when.

For most 9v9 (9-a-side) teams, play the 3-2-3 or the 3-3-2. The 3-2-3 is U.S. Soccer’s example 9v9 shape and leads into the 4-3-3; the 3-3-2, from The FA’s 9v9 guide, adds a second striker. In the last season before 11v11 (usually U12 in the US, U13 in England), switch to the 4-3-1 to learn a back four.

At a glance

The five 9v9 formations compared.

How to read the numbers: a 9v9 formation counts the eight outfield players from the back, so 3-2-3 means three defenders, two midfielders and three forwards, with the goalkeeper not counted. U.S. Soccer and The FA write the same shapes with the keeper first, so their 1-3-2-3 is the 3-2-3, their 1-3-3-2 is the 3-3-2 and their 1-4-3-1 is the 4-3-1.

9v9 (9-a-side) formations: who each suits, its main strength and what to watch out for
ShapeBest forMain strengthWatch-out
3-2-3Width and three attackers Most 9v9 teams, especially those with quick wide players or heading for a 4-3-3 at 11v11 Three forwards stretch the pitch and open space in the middle The two central midfielders are outnumbered if the wingers don’t help
3-3-2Balanced, with a strike pair Teams moving up from 7v7 and teams with two forwards who link well Two lines of three keep the team compact, and two strikers work as a pair No wingers, so the wide midfielders have to cover the whole touchline
4-3-1Learn the back four The last season before 11v11, and teams that need to defend well A back four and a midfield three that are hard to play through The lone striker can be isolated, with few players arriving in the box
4-2-2Back four, strike pair Teams with attacking full-backs and two strong forwards, or preparing for a 4-4-2 A simple, clear structure: a back four behind two pairs Only two in midfield, so a three-player midfield can outnumber them
2-4-2Midfield-heavy Teams that keep the ball well and have two quick defenders Four midfielders control the middle and the wide areas Only two defenders, so the wide midfielders must recover quickly

Each diagram uses the starting positions of the matching 9v9 formation preset in Touchtight’s Coach Studio. Explore Coach Studio

Other shapes you will see: some 9v9 teams play a 2-3-3 or a 3-4-1. They are not covered in full here.

9v9 · 9-a-side · Formation 1 of 5

3-2-3 formation Width and three attackers

Three defenders, two central midfielders and three forwards: two wingers and a striker. It is the example 9v9 formation U.S. Soccer gives, written 1-3-2-3.

3-2-3 formation diagram (9v9) 3-2-3 formation for 9v9. Goalkeeper (1) at the bottom, attacking up the pitch. Defenders: 2 right back, 3 centre-back, 4 left back. Midfielders: 5 right central midfielder, 6 left central midfielder. Forwards: 7 right winger, 8 striker, 9 left winger. 1 GK 2 RB 3 CB 4 LB 5 RCM 6 LCM 7 RW 8 ST 9 LW
  1. 1 Goalkeeper
  2. 2 Right back
  3. 3 Centre-back
  4. 4 Left back
  5. 5 Right central midfielder
  6. 6 Left central midfielder
  7. 7 Right winger
  8. 8 Striker
  9. 9 Left winger

Roles by line

Defenders (2, 3, 4)
A back three. The outside defenders (2, 4) split wide in possession and defend the channels; the centre-back (3) stays central and organises.
Midfielders (5, 6)
Two central midfielders. One supports the ball and the other holds, and they swap as the ball moves.
Forwards (7, 8, 9)
The wingers (7, 9) hold the width and run in behind. The striker (8) leads the line and links play.

In attack

Wingers stay wide to stretch the opponent, which opens space in the middle for the midfielders and the striker. An outside defender overlapping a winger makes a 2 v 1 on that side.

In defence

The wingers drop to make a midfield four when the ball is in your half, and the striker blocks the pass into the opponent’s midfield. The back three stay narrow and close together.

Building out from the goalkeeper

The keeper plays to an outside defender or the centre-back, and one central midfielder drops to make a diamond with the back three. The wingers stay wide and high to give a longer option.

When to choose the 3-2-3

A strong all-round 9v9 shape for teams with quick wide players. It leads straight into the 4-3-3 at 11v11: add a defender and a midfielder.

Common mistakes

  • Wingers who stay high when the ball is lost, leaving the two midfielders outnumbered.
  • All three forwards standing on the last defender, so nobody comes short to receive.
  • An outside defender and a winger both staying wide on the same side and getting in each other’s way.

9v9 · 9-a-side · Formation 2 of 5

3-3-2 formation Balanced, with a strike pair

Three defenders, three midfielders and two forwards. It is one of the two shapes in The FA’s 9v9 guide, where it is written 1-3-3-2.

3-3-2 formation diagram (9v9) 3-3-2 formation for 9v9. Goalkeeper (1) at the bottom, attacking up the pitch. Defenders: 2 right back, 3 centre-back, 4 left back. Midfielders: 5 right midfielder, 6 centre midfielder, 7 left midfielder. Forwards: 8 right forward, 9 left forward. 1 GK 2 RB 3 CB 4 LB 5 RM 6 CM 7 LM 8 RF 9 LF
  1. 1 Goalkeeper
  2. 2 Right back
  3. 3 Centre-back
  4. 4 Left back
  5. 5 Right midfielder
  6. 6 Centre midfielder
  7. 7 Left midfielder
  8. 8 Right forward
  9. 9 Left forward

Roles by line

Defenders (2, 3, 4)
A back three. The centre-back (3) organises; the outside defenders (2, 4) defend the channels and step into midfield when it is safe.
Midfielders (5, 6, 7)
The wide midfielders (5, 7) attack and defend the whole flank. The centre midfielder (6) links the defence to the forwards.
Forwards (8, 9)
A strike pair: one comes short to receive, the other runs in behind.

In attack

Two strikers give the midfield two targets. Width comes from the wide midfielders and, when it is safe, an outside defender overlapping.

In defence

Three in midfield and three at the back make two compact lines. The strikers decide together whether to press or to drop and block the middle.

Building out from the goalkeeper

The outside defenders split, the centre midfielder shows between them and the wide midfielders hold the width. The strikers split to give the keeper a longer option.

When to choose the 3-3-2

Choose it when you have two forwards who link well, or as the natural step up from 7v7: it keeps the back three of the 3-2-1 and the midfield three of the 2-3-1.

Common mistakes

  • Wide midfielders running out of legs from covering the whole flank; rotate them or swap sides at half-time.
  • Both strikers making the same run.
  • The back three dropping too deep, leaving a big gap to the midfield.

9v9 · 9-a-side · Formation 3 of 5

4-3-1 formation Learn the back four

Four defenders, three midfielders and a striker. It is the other shape in The FA’s 9v9 guide, written 1-4-3-1, and the same back four players will use at 11v11.

4-3-1 formation diagram (9v9) 4-3-1 formation for 9v9. Goalkeeper (1) at the bottom, attacking up the pitch. Defenders: 2 right back, 3 right centre-back, 4 left centre-back, 5 left back. Midfielders: 6 right midfielder, 7 centre midfielder, 8 left midfielder. Striker: 9 striker. 1 GK 2 RB 3 RCB 4 LCB 5 LB 6 RM 7 CM 8 LM 9 ST
  1. 1 Goalkeeper
  2. 2 Right back
  3. 3 Right centre-back
  4. 4 Left centre-back
  5. 5 Left back
  6. 6 Right midfielder
  7. 7 Centre midfielder
  8. 8 Left midfielder
  9. 9 Striker

Roles by line

Defenders (2, 3, 4, 5)
Full-backs (2, 5) and two centre-backs (3, 4): the same back four as 11v11. The full-backs give width going forward.
Midfielders (6, 7, 8)
The wide midfielders (6, 8) support the striker and track runners. The centre midfielder (7) screens the back four.
Striker (9)
Holds the ball up until support arrives and leads the press.

In attack

The full-backs push on for width and the midfielders run beyond the striker. The striker must hold the ball up until support arrives.

In defence

The back four and midfield three make two lines that are hard to play through. Coach the back four to move across together and the far full-back to tuck in.

Building out from the goalkeeper

The centre-backs split to the edges of the box, the full-backs push up the touchlines and the centre midfielder drops in front: the same pattern as playing out at 11v11.

When to choose the 4-3-1

Use it in the season before 11v11 to teach a back four, or against a stronger side. It leads into the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1.

Common mistakes

  • Full-backs who never cross the halfway line, leaving the striker alone.
  • A flat back four with no cover, beaten by one ball over the top.
  • Midfielders who don’t support the striker, so attacks stop as soon as the ball reaches the front.

9v9 · 9-a-side · Formation 4 of 5

4-2-2 formation Back four, strike pair

Four defenders, two central midfielders and two forwards. Think of it as an 11v11 4-4-2 without the wide midfielders.

4-2-2 formation diagram (9v9) 4-2-2 formation for 9v9. Goalkeeper (1) at the bottom, attacking up the pitch. Defenders: 2 right back, 3 right centre-back, 4 left centre-back, 5 left back. Midfielders: 6 right central midfielder, 7 left central midfielder. Forwards: 8 right forward, 9 left forward. 1 GK 2 RB 3 RCB 4 LCB 5 LB 6 RCM 7 LCM 8 RF 9 LF
  1. 1 Goalkeeper
  2. 2 Right back
  3. 3 Right centre-back
  4. 4 Left centre-back
  5. 5 Left back
  6. 6 Right central midfielder
  7. 7 Left central midfielder
  8. 8 Right forward
  9. 9 Left forward

Roles by line

Defenders (2, 3, 4, 5)
A back four. With no wide midfielders, the full-backs (2, 5) provide all of the team’s width.
Midfielders (6, 7)
Two central midfielders: when one goes forward, the other stays.
Forwards (8, 9)
A strike pair who press together and give the midfield two targets.

In attack

The full-backs must get forward, because they are the only width. The two strikers give two targets, and the far striker attacks the back post when the ball goes wide.

In defence

Two banks: four defenders and two midfielders, with the strikers pressing or dropping onto the opponent’s holding midfielder.

Building out from the goalkeeper

The keeper plays to a centre-back, the full-backs give width and one midfielder drops to receive. If the opponent presses, the strikers give a longer option.

When to choose the 4-2-2

Choose the 4-2-2 when your full-backs are fit and like to attack and you have two forwards who link well. It prepares players for the 4-4-2.

Common mistakes

  • Full-backs who stay back, so the team has no width at all.
  • Both midfielders going forward at once.
  • Strikers who don’t help when the opponent has three in midfield.

9v9 · 9-a-side · Formation 5 of 5

2-4-2 formation Midfield-heavy

Two defenders, four midfielders (two wide, two central) and two forwards. It is the 2-3-1 from 7v7 with an extra midfielder and a second striker.

2-4-2 formation diagram (9v9) 2-4-2 formation for 9v9. Goalkeeper (1) at the bottom, attacking up the pitch. Defenders: 2 right centre-back, 3 left centre-back. Midfielders: 4 right midfielder, 5 right central midfielder, 6 left central midfielder, 7 left midfielder. Forwards: 8 right forward, 9 left forward. 1 GK 2 RCB 3 LCB 4 RM 5 RCM 6 LCM 7 LM 8 RF 9 LF
  1. 1 Goalkeeper
  2. 2 Right centre-back
  3. 3 Left centre-back
  4. 4 Right midfielder
  5. 5 Right central midfielder
  6. 6 Left central midfielder
  7. 7 Left midfielder
  8. 8 Right forward
  9. 9 Left forward

Roles by line

Defenders (2, 3)
Two centre-backs who split wide in possession and defend one-on-one when they have to.
Midfielders (4, 5, 6, 7)
The wide midfielders (4, 7) give width and track back. The central pair (5, 6) supports the ball, switches play and screens the defence.
Forwards (8, 9)
A strike pair who stretch the defence and finish the attacks the midfield creates.

In attack

With four midfielders and two forwards, six players can join an attack. The wide midfielders give width and the central pair supports and switches play.

In defence

When the ball is lost, one central midfielder drops between the two defenders to make three at the back, and the wide midfielders track runners.

Building out from the goalkeeper

The defenders split wide and a central midfielder drops between them. The wide midfielders hold the touchlines higher up.

When to choose the 2-4-2

Use the 2-4-2 when your team keeps the ball well and your two defenders are quick and comfortable one-on-one. It is a natural step for a team that played the 2-3-1 at 7v7.

Common mistakes

  • Wide midfielders who don’t track back, leaving two defenders against four attackers.
  • Both central midfielders pushing on, so nobody screens the defence.
  • Too many players ahead of the ball when it is lost.

How to choose

How to choose a 9-a-side formation.

Moving up from 7v7

Keep what players already know. A team that played the 3-2-1 keeps its back three in the 3-2-3 or 3-3-2; a team that played the 2-3-1 keeps its midfield three in the 3-3-2, or its back two in the 2-4-2.

Quick wide players

Play the 3-2-3. Two wingers and a striker stretch the pitch and give your fastest players space to run into.

A strong pair of forwards

Play the 3-3-2, or the 4-2-2 if your full-backs like to attack. Both give two strikers who can work off each other.

Last season before 11v11

Play the 4-3-1 or 4-2-2 so players learn a back four before the bigger pitch. They lead into the 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. This is usually U12 under U.S. Soccer formats and U13 in England.

Which formation to teach first

Teach the 3-2-3 or the 3-3-2 first: both keep a back three, so players can switch between them during a season without relearning their roles. Rotate who plays where, including in goal: U.S. Soccer’s U11–U12 guide says players should experience all positions and that everyone should have the chance to play in goal up to U11.

Match format

Which age groups play 9v9?

9v9 is also called 9-a-side. These are the official formats from each governing body, checked against their own pages on 12 October 2026.

USA (U.S. Soccer)

Age groups
U11 and U12
  • 9v9 is the maximum format for U11–U12; smaller formats can also be played, and 11v11 starts at U13. Source ↗
  • Its U11–U12 age-group guide gives the 1-3-2-3 (the 3-2-3 on this page) as an example formation for 9v9. Source ↗

England (The FA) · 2026/27

Age groups
U12 and U13
Match length
2 x 30 min
  • U12s and U13s play 9v9 from the 2026–27 season. Offside is introduced and there is no retreat line. Games last up to 60 minutes. Source ↗

Australia (MiniRoos)

Age groups
U10 and U11
Match length
2 x 25 min
  • 9-a-side including a goalkeeper, with up to five substitutes. Source ↗

Age groups are counted differently in each country (in England, age on 31 August), and leagues can vary, so check your league's rules.

Questions

9v9 formation questions.

What is the best formation for 9v9 soccer?
For most youth teams, the 3-2-3 or the 3-3-2. The 3-2-3 is U.S. Soccer’s example 9v9 shape and leads into the 4-3-3; the 3-3-2 adds a second striker. In the last season before 11v11, the 4-3-1 teaches a back four.
How many players are on a 9v9 team?
Nine a side: a goalkeeper and eight outfield players. Every 9v9 formation adds up to eight, such as the 3-3-2 or 3-2-3, because the goalkeeper is not counted. In England 9v9 uses rolling substitutes, and Australia’s MiniRoos allow up to five substitutes.
What age plays 9v9 soccer?
Under U.S. Soccer formats, 9v9 is the maximum format for U11 and U12, with 11v11 from U13. In England, U12s and U13s play 9v9 from the 2026–27 season. In Australia’s MiniRoos, Under 10s and Under 11s play 9-a-side. Check your league’s rules.
Is 3-3-2 or 3-2-3 better for 9v9?
The 3-2-3 suits a team with quick wide players, because three forwards stretch the pitch. The 3-3-2 suits a team with a good strike pair and gives an extra midfielder. Both keep a back three, so players can switch between them during a season.
Which 9v9 formation prepares players for 11v11?
The 3-2-3 grows into the 4-3-3 by adding a defender and a midfielder. The 4-3-1 and 4-2-2 already use a back four, so they lead into the 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. Use one of them in the season before your team moves to 11v11.
Is there offside in 9v9?
In England, yes: offside is introduced at 9v9, after a 7v7 format with no offside, and there is no retreat line. Rules differ between countries and leagues, so check yours. With offside in play, a back three or four can step up together after clearing the ball.
Should players rotate positions in 9v9?
Yes. U.S. Soccer’s U11–U12 guide says to give players the chance to experience all positions, and to let everyone play in goal up to U11. The FA also suggests letting players try different positions. Keep the formation steady and rotate who plays each role.

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