Playing out from the back · 9v9 3-4-1

Playing out from the back in a 9v9 3-4-1

A 3-4-1 has numbers at the back and in midfield, but only one striker. Playing out is about using those numbers: three defenders against two pressers, and four midfielders against their three. The wide midfielders play like wing-backs, very high and wide, and the central pair rotate so one is always free.

Step 1 of 5

Goal kick. Back three spread, wing-backs high and wide, central pair at different heights.

Drawn for 9v9 3-4-1. 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

Goal kick. Back three spread, wing-backs high and wide, central pair at different heights.
Keeper to the middle defender. Their two strikers press; one of our wide defenders is free.
Out to the free right centre-back, who carries it forward.
Their wide midfielder has to choose: our centre-back or our wing-back. They go to the defender.
So the wing-back is free. Down the line, and the striker and far wing-back attack the box.

When to use it

From goal kicks and settled possession, especially against teams with two strikers. It suits teams with energetic wide players.

Coaching points

Back three spread; one of them is always free against two strikers.
Wide midfielders go very high and wide. They're wing-backs in this shape.
The central pair rotate: one drops, one pushes. Swap as the ball moves.
The free centre-back carries it forward until someone comes to them.
The striker stays high and central; the wing-backs give the width.

Who does what

Position	Their job
Back three	Spread, carry forward when free.
Central midfielders	One shows short, one stays higher; rotate.
Wide midfielders	Wing-backs: high and wide, the out-ball and the crosser.
Striker	Pins their centre-backs, holds it up, attacks crosses.

When they change it

If they…	You…
Their wide midfielders mark our wing-backs	The middle is now 2v1: play through the central midfielders.
Their strikers drop to protect the middle	Our centre-backs are free: carry it forward.
They press with three	Use the keeper, and one central midfielder drops into the back three.

Common mistakes

Wing-backs coming short, so the shape loses its width.
Both central midfielders on the same line.
Nobody supporting the lone striker when the ball reaches them.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7: At 7v7, a 3-2-1 is the closest shape.
9v9: The board: a 3-4-1 at 9v9.
11v11: At 11v11 it becomes a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 with wing-backs.

See the full 9v9 3-4-1 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

9v9 3-4-1 wing-back crossing pattern

U12 to U13 · 6 to 10 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Back three against a two-striker press

U12 to adult · 7 to 10 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Centre-back step-in (carry the ball forward)

U11 to adult · 6 to 10 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

3-5-2 wing-back switch of play

U13 to adult · 10 to 14 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Full-back: receive, drive, combine

U11 to adult · 4 to 8

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

Is a 3-4-1 too defensive?

Not in possession. The wing-backs push high so it attacks with five or six players.

What makes a good wing-back at 9v9?

Energy, a good first touch while running, and the willingness to get back. It's a great position for young players to learn the whole pitch.

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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