6v6 soccer formations

In this post we summarize all possible formations for 6v6 mini soccer and discuss passing distribution options. Mathematics and geometry of football help us be prepared for the unexpected, to recognize which area of the field is stronger and to choose opposition based tactics wisely. In addition, we are able to choose formation specific training (ex. don't waste time for overlap if you don't use it). Deep knowledge of all these, give us the advantage of attacking without consuming too much energy. In addition, defending against those formations is made easier, just by blocking passing and running lanes.

6v6 soccer formations

2-2-1 (home-box) 

Short passes: 12 
Risk passes: 8 
Crosses: 2 
Goalkeeper options: 2/4

Defense: 4/10
Midfield: 6/10
Offense: 2/5

Comments: The standard 6v6 formation provides rigid defense and alternative attack. When your team is in possession of the ball, one defender may move forward, so as to attack in a diamond shape. Two midfielders with good first touch and close dribbling are required for success. Crosses from back to front are easily handled by the opposition and should be avoided. Goalkeepers should also avoid giving the ball straight to midfielders.

Training: Box-shaped short straight passing (defenders-midfielders), 3v2 attacking in a triangle (midfielders-attacker), counter attack with long balls (defenders-attacker).

2-1-2 (hourglass)

Short passes: 12
Risk passes: 4
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 2/3
Defense: 4/10
Midfield: 4/5
Offense: 4/10

Comments: If you have an all-around midfielder, this formation is for you. The midfielder acts as a connection link between attack and defense and should be able to protect the ball and pass it in every direction diagonally and thus he needs good vision and shielding skills. When attacking, he might even try to overlap one central defender and make a run down the wing. Goalkeepers should, once again, avoid giving the ball straight to the midfielder.

Training: Box and 1 short and diagonal passing (infield players), 2v1 shielding skills (defenders-midfielder), overlap (right wing), overlap (left wing).

3-2 (triangles)

Short passes: 14
Risk passes: 4
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 3/3
Defense: 8/10
Midfield: -
Offense: 6/10

Comments: Choose this formation for tactical plays. It has the advantage of nearly maximum number of short and goalkeeper passes. Plus, you have two attackers to occupy defenders. When attacking one forward may move back to receive the ball and escort it forward. Another offensive option is for the right or left back to make a forward runs and crosses to the far attackers.

Training: Forwards receive ball in midfield and 1-2 passing (attackers to defenders), 1-2 passing and forward run (right wing), 1-2 passing and forward run (left wing), crossing to weak side (wing backs).

3-1-1 (stopper)

Short passes: 10
Risk passes: 4
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 2/4
Defense: 6/10
Midfield: 2/10
Offense: 2/5

Comments: This is the standard formation when defending a strong central midfield team without fast wingers. The stopper acts as a blockage and he must always leave the defensive line to intercept a penetrating attacker, a long shot or a through pass. There are minimum attacking options, except for counter attack with long balls. Change to this formation if you have the lead and want to retain possession in your end.

Training: Passing triangles (defenders), defending long shots (defenders), counter attack long passing and finishing (defenders to attacker).

4-1 (fullback)

Short passes: 14
Risk passes: -
Crosses: 4
Goalkeeper options: 4/5
Defense: 10/10
Midfield: -
Offense: 4/4

Comments: This ultra defensive strategy should be avoided, but it is referred here because an underdog opposition may play like this. In general it is the same as the 2-3 formation mention below, except that the full backs are mainly defending. The opposition, when clearing the ball, if they send it to the attacker behind your defensive line, may be a difficult situation to handle, so it is suggested placing a fast and tall sweeper to intercept such crosses. Note that pressing the first pass is not a good idea as the goalkeeper has maximum options, so closing down the attacker will be better.

Training: Passing triangles (infield players), 1-2 passing (infield players), pivot passing (attacker), 5v4 defending situations, counter attack long passing and finishing (defenders to attacker).

1-2-2 (sweeper)

Short passes: 12
Risk passes: 4
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 1/3
Defense options: 4/10
Midfield options: 6/10
Offense options: 2/5

Comments: This formation is an alternative to the 2-2-1 mentioned above. In general, you sacrifice your attacker for a sweeper. Actually, you can make this without subbing him, just swap positions. It is suggested the goalkeeper to give the ball only to the sweeper at the edge of the box and  to start attacking from him. This may be useful, if the opposition presses the first pass.

Training: Passing triangles (defenders), passing box (midfielders), 3v2 own side possession (goalkeeper to sweeper to defenders).

1-3-1 (cross)

Short passes: 16
Risk passes: -
Crosses: 4
Goalkeeper options: 1/5
Defense options: 3/5
Midfield options: 10/10
Offense options: 3/5

Comments: This formation is an alternative to the 2-1-2 mentioned above. If you have an all-around midfielder and wingers with good cross this formation is for you. The midfielder acts as a connection link between attack and defense and should be able to protect the ball and direct pass it in every direction. The goalkeeper should avoid giving the ball straight to the midfield and the defender to attack.

Training: Box and 1 short straight passing (infield players), diamond give and go passing (both feet), 2v1 shielding (midfielder), 2v1 first touch (midfielder), crossing and finishing (both sides, wingers to attacker), 4v2 attacking in a diamond (everyone except defender).

2-3 (wingers)

Short passes: 10
Risk passes: 8
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 2/4
Defense: 4/10
Midfield: 4/10
Offense: 2/5

Comments: If you have pacy wingers with good cross but don't want to risk to much, this is the right formation. Forward runs should be encouraged, but diagonal passes to the far player, should be avoided. Use this if you want to increase your width, so as to open rigid 3-1-1 defenses.

Training: Diamond give and go passing (both feet), crossing and finishing (both sides, wingers to attacker), 3v3 attacking in a triangle (wingers-attacker).

3-1-1 (isosceles)

Short passes: 12
Risk passes: 4
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 3/5
Defense: 7/15
Midfield: 4/5
Offense: 1/5

Comments: This is the standard formation when defending. The defensive line holds its position when there is a threat of a penetrating attacker, a long shot or a through pass. Prefer this formation to 3-1-1 stopper, if there are winger threats. There are minimum attacking options, except for counter attack with long balls. Change to this formation if you have the lead and want to retain possession in your end.

Training: Passing triangles (defenders-midfielder), defending crosses (defenders), counter attack long passing and finishing (defenders to attacker).

1-4 (diamond)

Short passes: 10
Risk passes: 8
Crosses: 2
Goalkeeper options: 1/1
Defense: 2/5
Midfield: 4/10
Offense: 2/5

Comments: This ultra offensive strategy should only be used, if you don't have the lead and there only few minutes left on the clock. Once again, the only attacking option is the wingers trying to cross to the wide attacker. Avoid using this if the opposition is pressing the first pass. If that's the case, command an attacker to come and receive the ball and wingers to return to defense.

Training: Side passing (attackers), vs 3-1-1 attacking situations, crossing and finishing (wingers to far attacker), long passing (sweeper).

note: corrections pending