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Grassroots formations

9v9 Formation Builder

Plan your 9-a-side team with eight outfield players and a goalkeeper. Compare the best 9v9 formations and build a lineup for your youth team.

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How to set up a 9v9 team

9v9 is the bridge between small-sided football and the full 11v11 game, often played by under-11 to under-13 teams. With eight outfield players, coaches can introduce real positional roles such as full-backs, holding midfielders, and wingers. Shapes like the 3-2-3 prepare players for 4-3-3, while the 3-3-2 builds towards two-striker systems.

Best shapes

Best 9v9 formations

3-2-3

Three defenders, two midfielders, and three forwards. Mirrors the 4-3-3 and is the most popular 9v9 formation.

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3-3-2

Three defenders, three midfielders, and two strikers. A balanced shape with a strong midfield and a strike partnership.

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2-3-2-1

Two defenders, three midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and a striker. Attacking, with lots of players between the lines.

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3-2-2-1

Three defenders, two holding midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and a striker. Solid at the back with a creative front three.

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Coaching tips

  • Use 9v9 to introduce position-specific roles that players will use in 11v11.
  • Teach the back three to shift together across the pitch as a unit.
  • Encourage wide players to stay wide so the team uses the whole pitch.
  • Share your lineup with players before the match so everyone knows their role.

Compare shapes

5v5 Formation BuilderPlan your 5-a-side team with four outfield players and a goalkeeper. Compare the best 5v5 shapes and build a lineup to share with players and parents.7v7 Formation BuilderPlan your 7-a-side team with six outfield players and a goalkeeper. Compare the best 7v7 formations and build a lineup for your next match.11v11 formationsCompare full-size football formations like 4-3-3, 4-4-2, and 3-5-2.