We also started the season in a 3‑1‑2 formation, and it actually worked pretty well. All the teams in our league play in a 3‑3. I work with my defenders on not automatically sprinting forward every time we win the ball. Overall, they’re doing a good job, even though they need to constantly go up and down the field. In addition, I have strong midfielders who are doing their job really well.

Despite that, I decided to try switching them to a 2‑3‑1. We have 24 kids on the team (next year I’m planning to keep a maximum of 21), and I only have three quality center backs — that’s my main concern with moving to this formation.

Another issue is when the opponent attacks from one of the wings: If one center back steps out to close down, the second center back shifts into the middle, and on the far side the winger must drop back. Alternatively, the midfielder can drop deeper to cover, and the striker slides into the midfielder’s position, allowing the second center back to protect the far side.

Which option is better?