7v7 Soccer 2-3-1 Formation Intro to Shape and Build Up Play

Summary

This video offers an in-depth exploration of the 2-3-1 soccer formation in 7v7 matches, emphasizing the formation's natural width and adaptability to larger formats like 9v9 and 11v11. The tutorial focuses on the critical starting positions for effective build-out from the back, detailing the roles of center backs, full backs, central midfielders, and the striker. It illustrates how to maintain width, support each other, and exploit space against various pressing tactics. The video also discusses goalkeeper involvement and striker positioning for optimal ball distribution. Aimed at youth coaches and players, it provides practical insights for mastering the 2-3-1 formation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 231 formation is preferred for its natural width and ease of scalability to 9v9 and 11v11.
• 🔐 The starting positions are crucial, with center backs at the edge of the 18-yard box, full backs along the build-out line, and the central midfielder near the arch.
• 🚫 Avoid center backs drifting up or inwards, and full backs coming too low or central.
• 👤 The central midfielder should stay central and not crowd the space, while the striker should stay high up the field.
• 🎾 The goalkeeper should be comfortable distributing to center backs, ideally 95% of the time, to avoid immediate pressure from defenders.
• ↔️ Full backs should support the center back on their side and not cross the field unless necessary, staying at most halfway.
• 🔄 Center backs should look to take space up the field, not wide, to avoid congesting the play.
• 🚀 The striker's positioning is key for providing a beyond ball option, staying high and looking for through balls.
• 🛡️ Against a full press, center backs should drop to the goal line to maximize decision-making time.
• 🔄 In a 3v2 or 4v2 scenario, switching fields can be an effective strategy to break the press.

Q & A

What is the 231 formation and why is it preferred in 7v7 soccer?

The 231 formation consists of two center backs, two full backs or outside midfielders, one central midfielder, and one striker. It is preferred because it provides natural width and is easy for young players to understand. It also allows for easier transition to 9v9 and 11v11 formations.

Why is it important for the center backs to stay at the edge of the 18-yard box during a build out?

Center backs need to stay at the edge of the 18-yard box to maintain width and not drift up or in, which can compress the space and make it easier for the opposing team to defend.

What is the role of the full backs or outside midfielders in the 231 formation during a build out?

The full backs or outside midfielders should stay right around the build-out line, touching the touchline, to maintain width. They should only come down to support when the ball is played into one of the center backs on their side.

Why is the central midfielder's starting position around the arch important?

The central midfielder starting around the arch helps avoid crowding the space inside the box. If they start too high or too low, it can lead to trouble in the build out.

How should the striker position themselves during a build out in the 231 formation?

The striker should stay up and look for a beyond ball, drifting towards the side of the play but not coming down too low to avoid compressing the space and making it easier to defend.

What is the goalkeeper's role in the initial build out in the 231 formation?

The goalkeeper should play the ball to one of the center backs most of the time, as playing to the center midfielder can be risky due to defenders being ready to pounce as soon as the ball goes out of the box.

Why is it crucial for the center back receiving the ball to take space up the field?

Taking space up the field allows the center back to draw in defenders and create space for other players, such as the full back, to have more room to operate. It also helps in progressing the ball up the field.

How should the full back on the side opposite to where the ball is played position themselves?

The full back on the opposite side should come over halfway at most to support, but not so much that they crowd the space or leave their side exposed.

What adjustments should the team make when facing a full press from the opposing team?

When facing a full press, the center backs should get to the goal line to buy time for decision-making. The team should look to exploit the space by playing wide to the full backs or looking for the central midfielder to drop into space.

How does the 231 formation handle a more organized press with three attackers?

Against a more organized press with three attackers, the team can slide the ball out to the full back under less pressure, or look to switch the field if the central midfielder is marked, allowing the team to maintain possession and potentially exploit open spaces.