Tactics Guide

One system, three formats. Same principles, different numbers.

Progression Expand / Contract 7v7 9v9 11v11

Same System, Three Formats

U9-U10

2-3-1

2 CBs
3 mids
1 forward

U11-U12

3-2-3

3 backs
2 mids
3 forwards

U13+
4-2-3-1
4 backs
2 mids
3 AM · 1 CF

Same expand/contract. Same 4 moments. Same roles, just more players.

Expand / Contract

Blue = have the ball (spread) · Red = lose it (pinch)

Have the ball — Expand

Spread wide. Stretch defense. Create space. Support the ball ahead, side, behind.

Lose the ball — Contract

Pinch in. Compact. Protect the middle. Striker is first defender.

U9-U10

7v7 — 2-3-1

2 CBs

Stay central. Push up with the play. Split wide to build out.

3 Mids

LM, CM, RM. Provide width. Support attack and defense.

1 CF

Hold up. Link play. Pressure first defender.

U11-U12

9v9 — 3-2-3

Back 3

FB + CB + FB. FBs push wide in attack, tuck in defending. CB reads danger.

Mid 2

Link defense to attack. One goes, the other stays. Most crucial role.

Front 3

Wingers stay wide. CF holds and links. Switch to 3-1-3-1 in possession.

U13+

11v11 — 4-2-3-1

Back 4

2 CBs + LB + RB. CBs mark strikers, bring ball out. FBs overlap for width, tuck in defending.

Double Pivot

#6 hold + #8 box-to-box. Screen CBs. Link defense to attack. Let FBs push forward.

AM 3

LW, #10, RW. #10 between lines. Wide mids cut in. Rotate with CF. Far winger narrows defending.

CF (#9)

Hold up. Link. Instigate press. Can be isolated — #10 and wingers support quickly.

      Same from 7v7: Expand when you have it, contract when you lose it. #10 between lines (same as 2-3-1). Full-backs provide width. Cover behind the press.
    