This type of formation is defensive-minded. It consists of 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. This is the most popular formation used today. If you’re not looking to use the offside trap, then using a sweeper is a good choice. This player is considered the sweeper, not responsible for marking anyone, but should clean up anything that gets through the 3 defenders. Defenders can also play with a flat back 3 making the 4th player hang behind them. If the attacking team is able to get through the midfield then the 4 defenders are there as the last line of defense.ĭefenders can play a flat back 4, meaning they play in line together, which helps when using an offside trap. However, that means one less player is in the midfield, making it easier for an attacking team to get through. The offensive advantage is that it uses 3 forwards. This type of formation is both defensive and offensive-minded. It consists of 4 defenders, 3 midfielders, and 3 forwards. This used to be the most popular formation in the past, but now it is used mostly with younger players, since it is the easiest and least complex formation to learn and play with. The goalkeeper is never included in the formation numbers since that position never changes! The second number stands for the number of midfielders, and the last number stands for the number of forwards. The first number stands for the number of defenders. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common soccer formations.įirst, let’s describe what numbers like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 represent. The type of formation to use depends on whether the coach is looking to play a more attacking or defending style of play. The definition of formation in terms of soccer is an arrangement of players positioned on the field.

Soccer position numbers 3 5 2