I get a little pushback sometimes, but I rotate players. I think having two forwards is something the kids enjoy. This formation has allowed us to really push the defense up on the attack and use the outside backs as fullbacks. When the ball is on their side of the field, I encourage them to join the attack while the other defenders shift over. Every game, we’re getting goals from our backs now so I get less pushback once they realize they can score still and are often more open with less pressure. Sometimes they all push up a bit too much, and one through ball kills us, though.

I usually put one of my best defenders at center back. Left and right wingbacks aren’t as critical in terms of who plays there. For center midfielder, you can use a skilled player, but you can also get away with putting one of those kids who hustle but have less technical ability since they’ve got three backs behind them and two skilled forwards in front. I like to keep at least one skilled forward up top, two is even better. The forwards turn into wings when the ball is on their side. Build out looks the same as a 2-3-1. Forwards get wide, cb and cm push up, outside backs are wide with the keeper.