Playing out from the back · 11v11 3-5-2

Playing out from the back in a 3-5-2

A 3-5-2 has a back three, a holding midfielder, two central midfielders, two wing-backs and two strikers. Against a front three, the back three is matched, so the keeper becomes the spare player and the holding midfielder the key pass. The wing-backs give width at different heights and the two strikers give one short and one long option.

Step 1 of 5

Their front three press our back three. The keeper is our spare player.

Drawn for 11v11 3-5-2. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.

Step by step

Their front three press our back three. The keeper is our spare player.
The holding midfielder shows between their forwards. Keeper finds them.
They're facing forward. Their midfielder comes out, so the central midfielder is free.
Into the central midfielder, who plays wide to the wing-back as the outside centre-back overlaps.
Wing-back drives inside, centre-back goes round the outside, strikers attack the box.

When to use it

From goal kicks and settled possession, especially against a 4-3-3 press.

Coaching points

The keeper is the spare player against their front three.
The holding midfielder shows between their forwards to receive.
Wing-backs at different heights: one high, one a little deeper.
The outside centre-backs carry it forward when free, or overlap the wing-back.
One striker drops, one stays high.

Who does what

Position	Their job
Keeper	Spare player, receives and plays forward.
Back three	Spread, carry it, overlap the wing-back on that side.
Holding midfielder	Shows between their forwards, bounces or turns.
Central midfielders	Find the gaps either side of their 6.
Wing-backs	Width. One high, one deeper.
Strikers	One drops, one runs.

When they change it

If they…	You…
They mark our holding midfielder	The central midfielders drop alongside to make an extra pass.
Their wingers press our outside centre-backs	Wing-backs are free: play down the line.
They press with two	One outside centre-back is free: carry it forward.

Common mistakes

Wing-backs both very high, so the defenders have no short pass wide.
The holding midfielder hiding behind a marker.
Both strikers dropping into midfield.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7: At 7v7, a 3-1-2 is the small version.
9v9: At 9v9, a 3-3-2 has the same back three and front two.
11v11: The board: an 11v11 3-5-2 against a 4-3-3 press.

See the full 11v11 3-5-2 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

3-5-2 outside centre-back overlap

U13 to adult · 6 to 10 plus a keeper

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3-5-2 wing-back switch of play

U13 to adult · 10 to 14 plus a keeper

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Keeper to centre-back to the 6 (pivot turns)

U11 to adult · 6 to 10 plus a keeper

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Beat the first line (4v3 plus keeper)

U10 to adult · 8 plus a keeper

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Wing-back rondo for 3-5-2 and 3-4-3

U13 to adult · 11 to 13

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

How do you play out against a front three with a back three?

Use the keeper as the extra player, and play into the holding midfielder between their forwards.

Should the outside centre-backs overlap?

When the wing-back on their side drops to receive, yes: it's a good surprise run.

What if we keep losing the ball when we play out?

Expect it at first. Keep the shape, practise the same patterns in training under light pressure, and judge the decision rather than the result. If a game is getting away from you, it's fine to mix in a longer pass to the striker for a spell.

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With the ball