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Lineup builder

6-a-side formation maker

Pick a 6-a-side formation, type your six players' names and save the team as a picture for the group chat. Below: the 4 shapes most 6-a-side teams use, and what each is for.

TONIGHT'S TEAMGKSamDEFOllieDEFKofiMIDPriyaMIDDanFWDAisha6-a-side · 2-2-1squadcard.app
How many a side?
Formation
Written from the back, without the keeper.
Shirt colour
Who's playing where?
  • GK
  • DEF
  • DEF
  • MID
  • MID
  • FWD

The 6-a-side formations

  • 2-2-1

    Two at the back, two in midfield, one up front. The balanced default for 6-a-side, with a pair in every area so nobody's left alone.

  • 2-1-2

    Two defenders, a midfielder in the middle and two strikers. Good when you have two players who score and one midfielder who can cover the ground.

  • 1-3-1

    One at the back, three across the middle and a striker. Strong in midfield and easy to pass through, but the last defender needs to be quick and to talk.

  • 3-1-1

    Three at the back, one midfielder, one striker. The defensive shape, for a bigger pitch or a stronger opponent.

How 6-a-side formations are written

From the back, without the keeper, so the numbers add up to 5. 2-2-1 is 2 at the back, 2 in midfield, 1 up front.

Whatever the shape, agree who stays back when you attack: in a 6-a-side game one goal usually comes from everybody going forward at once.

Choosing one for your team

Start with 2-2-1 unless you have a reason not to: it's the shape most 6-a-side teams use. Then change it for the players you have: more at the back if you're conceding, more up front if you have two who score.

Changing shape at half-time is easier than it sounds when everyone can see it. Make both versions here and post them in the group chat before the game.

Picking the two teams, too

Playing 6-a-side among friends, with two sides from whoever turns up? The team generator splits the names into two fair teams. And if it's the same group every week, Squadcard picks fair teams from the ratings the players give each other.

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Questions

What is the best 6-a-side formation?

2-2-1 is the most common and the best place to start. Two at the back, two in midfield, one up front. The balanced default for 6-a-side, with a pair in every area so nobody's left alone.

How many players are in a 6-a-side team?

6: a goalkeeper and 5 outfield players. Rolling subs are usual, so bring one or two more.

What's the most defensive 6-a-side formation?

3-1-1, with 3 at the back. Three at the back, one midfielder, one striker. The defensive shape, for a bigger pitch or a stronger opponent.

Can I save the formation as a picture?

Yes. Type the names, then save it as a picture or share it straight to the group chat. Nothing is uploaded.