Width & switching play
Use the field to create passing lanes and move away from pressure.
Where to start
Wide players should remain involved, not stand at the touchline waiting for a perfect pass. Connect width with central support and a safe route to switch sides. Watch the far side of the field when everyone else is drawn toward the ball.
26 resources
7v7 formations kids can understand.
Explore 2-3-1 and 3-2-1 soccer formations with an interactive board, simple position roles, and practical coaching questions.
Three-player overlap decision
Three-player overlap decision: a practical youth soccer activity for 3–9 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Switch the point of attack
Switch the point of attack: a practical youth soccer activity for 4–8 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Find a wide supporting player
Find a wide supporting player: a practical youth soccer activity for 6–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Switch through a supporting teammate
Switch through a supporting teammate: a practical youth soccer activity for 6–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
U6–U8 practice: use the width of the field
A 45-minute U6–U8 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U9–U10 practice: use the width of the field
A 60-minute U9–U10 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U11–U12 practice: use the width of the field
A 75-minute U11–U12 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
4v4 2-2 formation
Understand the 4v4 2-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
4v4 diamond: 1-2-1
Understand the 4v4 diamond: 1-2-1, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
4v4 2-1-1 starting shape
Understand the 4v4 2-1-1 starting shape, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
4v4 1-1-2 starting shape
Understand the 4v4 1-1-2 starting shape, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
7v7 2-3-1 formation
Understand the 7v7 2-3-1 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
7v7 3-2-1 formation
Understand the 7v7 3-2-1 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
7v7 2-2-2 formation
Understand the 7v7 2-2-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
7v7 3-1-2 formation
Understand the 7v7 3-1-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
7v7 1-3-2 formation
Understand the 7v7 1-3-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
9v9 3-3-2 formation
Understand the 9v9 3-3-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
9v9 3-2-3 formation
Understand the 9v9 3-2-3 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
9v9 2-3-3 formation
Understand the 9v9 2-3-3 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
9v9 2-4-2 formation
Understand the 9v9 2-4-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
9v9 4-3-1 formation
Understand the 9v9 4-3-1 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
11v11 4-3-3 formation
Understand the 11v11 4-3-3 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
11v11 4-4-2 formation
Understand the 11v11 4-4-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
11v11 4-2-3-1 formation
Understand the 11v11 4-2-3-1 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.
11v11 3-5-2 formation
Understand the 11v11 3-5-2 formation, including starting positions, passing options, common problems, and an activity to teach it.