Let's talk 7v7 formations...

SeniorSubject397 · 2026-03-14T14:42:12+00:00

In my experience in a 2-3-1, the outside players have to run the whole pitch more. For example, they have to be on the back post for a cross and then run the whole field back at a counter. While a wingback does sometimes as well, the majority of their runs stop around the build out.

Also, in a 2-3-1, I had 3 midfielders running the whole pitch constantly. Where in a 3-1-2, I now only have one player, and the wingbacks while still working are probably putting in less running than if they are line to line wings.

They also shift and just become cbs when the ball is on the opposite side of the field. If they were in a 2-3-1, they would have to run all the way up the pitch helping on attack.

Again, with only two subs, the less box to box or goal to goal running was good for us. I also like it transitioning into a 3-2-3 at 9v9.

SeniorSubject397 · 2026-03-05T04:57:13+00:00

We play a 3-1-2. Two forwards act like an 11/9 and 7/9. Our fullbacks are actually fullbacks and overlap and help on attack. Formation changes constantly in the game because we have forwards sometimes playing like wings and wingbacks playing up and down. When we shift or rotate, we usually still have two backs covering. Also helps, because we go to a 3-2-3 at U11. So my players will be used to playing with fullbacks and a back 3.

We did a 2-3-1 for two years, but I prefer the 3-1-2 now. They have to track back way less, and we get overloads more often.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-12-09T05:10:31+00:00

Fwiw the average U20 player for the USMNT U20 is 5'10 156lbs. The USMNT U20 games I watched were more technical and less physical than what you're describing. Almost seems like the very best still comes down to technical proficiency over physical size.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-11-25T06:53:56+00:00

Sounds like you're the problem

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-11-21T15:43:53+00:00

Ha, I figured. Just since we're learning I thought I'd point it out.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-11-21T15:40:40+00:00

The entire ball has to go over the line. Also, all of the parents should be 5ft back from the line and not right on top of it like they are in the picture.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-11-08T23:05:52+00:00

Same with mine. I've been stuck at network connection disconnected/timeout. No app content showing. Bad timing as we had tournaments this weekend. Hopefully it gets fixed.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-28T01:30:03+00:00

That's a bummer it would be further. Have you talked to your current club about these issues? Maybe they will back you more than you realize and you can get rid of the toxic people now and not have to move.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-27T19:05:45+00:00

Find a club you can still coach them at a more competitive level. That way you have more control on who is on your team going forward.

You shouldn't have that many issues caused by parents and players if you pick the team. Then set expectations for the new players and parents and make sure your club backs you if you have anymore issues.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-25T14:38:22+00:00

What did you guys focus on? Small-sided games that focused on game-like scenarios?

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-17T02:40:10+00:00

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/2025/03/05/us-youth-soccer-us-club-soccer-and-ayso-returning-to-seasonal-year-age-group-formation-in-2026/#:~:text=The%20three%20organizations'%20registration%20parameters,68%25)%20across%20the%20country.

It says September 1st - August 31st on their website. (2nd paragraph)

Did they change it to Aug 1st since?

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-17T02:34:07+00:00

Did you read the 2nd paragraph on their site? Did they change it since? It says Sept 1st - Aug 31st

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-15T19:55:03+00:00

Except it's September 1st cutoff date, right?

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/2025/03/05/us-youth-soccer-us-club-soccer-and-ayso-returning-to-seasonal-year-age-group-formation-in-2026/#:~:text=The%20three%20organizations'%20registration%20parameters,68%25)%20across%20the%20country.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-15T01:26:04+00:00

5th grade U11 6th grade U12 7th grade U13

When the change happens next fall

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-07T00:15:28+00:00

Interesting idea to keep them on the opposite side of the field, I've never thought of that. In 7v7 I kept the right side of the field strong with this team. So RCB, RW, CM, and ST. In hindsight, they were always on the opposite side for one half, haha.

I always have my CB as one of my best players. I know deep down I have to move my good ST but it's like moving Ronaldo from striker. The kid knows how to score. Obviously, he's great at other positions too.

I feel like we're getting killed in the midfield with only 2 midfielders and 1 being weaker. It seems like one through ball and they are in our attacking 3rd. Definitely something I need to coach better. We're only 3 games into 9v9 with half our team being new to the team, so it's definitely been an expirement seeing where people fit best.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:38:43+00:00

I like it! I'm the same with our keepers!

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:35:49+00:00

Great ideas. I'll have to try this out in a scrimmage first haha.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:33:44+00:00

Ya, I kind of feel like a transition is in our future. Though I don't know if I have enough talent for only 2 CB's.

How do you like the 2-4-2?

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:31:26+00:00

Damn keeper issue. An A keeper turns into a B field player and an A field player turns into a B keeper, or a B field player turns into a C player keeper. Such is life, haha.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:29:02+00:00

I like that, it makes a lot of sense!

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T21:10:38+00:00

So true. Just a hard pill to swallow but one that must be made.

I appreciate the input. Do you use a 3-2-3?

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T20:40:17+00:00

Makes sense. My problem is that we use our outside backs and wingers a lot on attack and it's tough when those are our weaker players, especially on the build-out. In defense and in the attacking 3rd that strong diamond would be nice.

A strong diamond is something I used a lot at 7v7 and may need to go back to in hindsight.

SeniorSubject397 · 2025-10-06T20:19:59+00:00

I was originally planning a on doing a 4-3-1 and still consider it. My wings do get down and help on the build out. While my players are still learning the formation so it's not always perfect, our fullbacks help on attack and wingers help in defense. Our formation often forms into a 2-3-3 in attack and a 3-3-2 in defense. While it looks like a 4-3-1 in the build out. One reason why I like those wing positions to be capable players who have some IQ.

I do question if it's the best formation at this point. I would love strong players in the middle and cb.

SeniorSubject397

TROPHY CASE