4-3-3 11v11

A back four, midfield three and front three: the most popular 11v11 youth formation for attacking, possession football.

Strengths

• Natural triangles
• Wingers stretch the pitch
• Clear pressing roles

Watch out for

• Midfield three must stay connected
• Full-backs can be exposed

Coaching tip

Common at U14 and above. Work on the holding midfielder's positioning; it holds the shape together.

Positions in this shape

• GK: Goalkeeper. Stops shots, organises the defence and starts attacks by passing or throwing out.
• LB: Left-back. Defends the left side and overlaps to attack down the wing.
• CB: Centre-back. Defends the middle in front of goal, wins headers and tackles, and starts play from the back.
• RB: Right-back. Defends the right side and overlaps to attack down the wing.
• LM: Left midfielder. Provides width on the left, crosses and tracks back to help the left-back.
• CM: Central midfielder. Links defence and attack, passes and receives under pressure, and covers lots of ground.
• RM: Right midfielder. Provides width on the right, crosses and tracks back to help the right-back.
• LW: Left winger. Beats defenders on the left, crosses and cuts inside to shoot.
• ST: Striker. Scores goals, holds the ball up and leads the press from the front.
• RW: Right winger. Beats defenders on the right, crosses and cuts inside to shoot.

4-3-3 drills and session plan →

All football positions explained →