Lineup builder

Reading a formation

A formation is written from the back, without the keeper. So 2-3-1 in 7-a-side is a keeper, two defenders, three in midfield and one up front. The numbers always add up to one fewer than the players on the pitch.

The shapes most teams use

Start with the first one for your size and change it once you know your players:

• 5-a-side, 1-2-1: the diamond. One at the back, two wide, one up front. Balanced, and the default for a reason.
• 5-a-side, 2-2: the box. Safer at the back, but it needs the front two to track back.
• 6-a-side, 2-2-1: two banks of two and a target to hit.
• 7-a-side, 2-3-1: three in midfield gives you width and legs. The most common 7-a-side shape.
• 7-a-side, 3-2-1: an extra defender when you're up against a stronger side.
• 9-a-side, 3-3-2: the closest to how 11-a-side feels, with two up front.
• 11-a-side, 4-4-2: everyone knows their job. Still the easiest to organise on a Sunday morning.

Picking who plays where

Put your calmest player at the back and your fittest in the middle: in small-sided football the midfield runs the most. Rotate the keeper if nobody wants it, and say so before kick-off rather than at 3-0 down.

More on shapes for seven in the 7-a-side formations guide. Recognising the best of the week instead? The Team of the Week maker uses the same pitch.

Before the lineup: who's playing, and are the teams fair?

A lineup only matters once you know who's turning up. Squadcard collects who's in from a link in the group chat and splits them into two fair teams from everyone's ratings. To try the picking without an account, use the team generator.

Questions