HOME Football Answers Football COACHING Q&A

what the best formation for 7 aside?

ayman Coach, United Arab Emirates

2 answers

ANSWERS

Football CoachCoach

I would do 3-1-2. Have the outside backs move up with the 1 mid. This could turn into a back diamond 4 with a sweeper 2 wing backs and a stopper (or defensive mid) when you are in the attacking half. The 1 mid would be the playmaker and step up to support the attack

Answered using Sportplan Mobile App

Martyn FarrellCoach, England

I`ve tried 2-1-2-1

give you a bit more cover if you are potentially short at the back, and allows three players to play offensively

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 500+ football drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Football

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_football

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

No Heading at U11: How to Coach the Ball in the Air This Season

Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.

October 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Shooting From Distance: The World Cup Trend Your Team Can Copy

Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.

October 2026

Sportplan Coaching

FutureFit's Extra Year: How to Keep Players Progressing in the Same Format

Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.

September 2026

Sportplan Coaching

VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS