U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives

Formations For Small-Sided Play

The U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives (PDI) outlined rules and methodology for small-sided games. The Under-8 and younger age groups will play 4v4, the U9&U10 age groups will play 7v7 and the U11&U12’s will play 9v9.

Above, we’ve put together playing formations for 7v7 and 9v9 to help acclimate coaches who may be new to small-sided games.

7v7 Formations: U9 & U10

Within the 1-2-3-1 or 1-3-2-1, players should be aware of their positional roles on attack and defense, especially in counterattacking and defending. When the team is attacking from its defensive third or building out from a goal kick or keeper distribution, players should be aware of spacing between lines.

The principle of spreading out and body position should be recognized by the players. It brings out triangles in attack.

Defensive compactness, both vertically and horizontally, as well as the value of the first defender in pressing the ball throughout the field should be of importance to this age.

9v9 Formations: U11 & U12

The 1-3-2-3 and 1-3-3-2 organizations are playing systems that should allow players to connect through lines. Players should be aware of the roles of the individuals in two connecting lines. The players should be fluid in mobility between lines on both attack and defense and recognize those roles in transition.

In attack, emphasis should be on spreading out, triangulating between lines, creating 2v1 and 1v1 situations and penetrating between lines.

Defensively continue to emphasize compactness, outnumbering of the opponent with the ball and providing cover to the pressing defender or defenders and consistently getting numbers behind the ball.