Soccer lineup generator and formation maker

How many players in each format

Most US clubs follow the small-sided formats set by US Soccer. The numbers include the goalkeeper.

• 7v7: Under-9 and Under-10 (U9, U10). Small field, no offside in many leagues, build-out line.
• 9v9: Under-11 and Under-12 (U11, U12). Bigger field. Offside is usually called from here.
• 11v11: Under-13 (U13) and older. Full field and full rules.

Leagues can set their own rules. Check with your league for exact field size, game length and roster limits.

Formations explained

A formation is read from the back to the front and leaves out the keeper. In a 2-3-1 there are 2 defenders, 3 midfielders and 1 forward.

7v7 formations

• 2-3-1: the most common. Simple shape, good for teaching width.
• 3-2-1: safer at the back. Good when the team gives up many goals.
• 2-1-2-1: a diamond in midfield. Gives more passing angles.

9v9 formations

• 3-2-3: balanced and spread out. Easy to learn.
• 2-3-2-1: more players in the middle. Suits a team that keeps the ball.
• 3-3-2: strong midfield with two forwards who can press.

11v11 formations

• 4-3-3: three forwards and a balanced midfield. Common in academies.
• 4-4-2: two lines of four. Clear jobs for each player.
• 4-2-3-1: two holding midfielders protect the defense.
• 3-5-2: wing backs run the full side of the field.

Soccer positions explained

• GK, goalkeeper: the only player who can use their hands, inside their own penalty area.
• CB, center back: defends the middle in front of the goal.
• LB and RB, fullbacks: defend the left and right side.
• LWB and RWB, wing backs: fullbacks who also run forward to attack.
• DM, defensive midfielder: sits in front of the defense and wins the ball back.
• CM, center midfielder: links defense and attack, passes and moves.
• LM and RM, wide midfielders: work up and down the sides.
• AM, attacking midfielder: plays behind the forwards and creates chances.
• LW and RW, wingers: wide attackers who dribble and cross.
• ST, striker: the forward closest to goal who finishes chances.

Many coaches let young players try every position. It helps them understand the game from each part of the field.

Questions coaches ask

How many players are on the field in youth soccer?

Most US leagues play 7v7 at U9 and U10, 9v9 at U11 and U12, and 11v11 from U13. Each number includes the goalkeeper. Your league rules have the final say.

How does the tool share playing time?

For each period it puts on the players with the fewest minutes so far. It then gives each player the line (defense, midfield or attack) they have played least. Minutes end up equal or one period apart.

What happens with the goalkeeper?

You can let the keeper rotate, or pick one keeper for the whole game. A rotating keeper is the player with the fewest keeper periods among those on the field.

Can I change the lineup by hand?

Yes. Drag a player onto another player or onto a bench name to swap them. You can also tap one player, then tap another. The minutes update right away.

Is my team list saved?

Your names and lineup are saved in this browser only. Nothing is sent to us. Clear your browser data to remove it.

What is the best formation for 9v9?

There is no single best one. A 3-2-3 keeps the team spread out and is simple to teach. A 3-3-2 adds a midfielder. A 2-3-2-1 suits a team that likes to keep the ball.

More for US families: US soccer guides, MLS NEXT tryouts, US youth soccer numbers.