In the 8v8 format of play there are a number of different possible player formations. We are going to use a 3-1-3, where we will have three defenders (LB, CB and RB), one midfielder and three forwards (LF, S, and RF). Each position has a specialized terminology in soccer jargon, for instance a left or right forward might also be called a winger (eg. left winger), the center forward might be called a striker, and defenders might also be called backs (eg. center back). Below is the basic break down of our 3-1-3 formation, and how it all works.
THE ZONES
On the right is shown a diagram of a normal soccer field, separated into two halves with the appropriate linings for the center circle, and goal areas shown in green. Red lines have been added to the diagram dividing the field into three zones: Attacking, Midfield, and Defensive Zones. Blue lines have been added to further divide each zone into thirds, creating a total of nine areas.
The forwards will primarily stay close to the Attacking Zone, dropping back to center when the other team is attacking in our Defensive Zone. The midfielder and defenders take up their respective places inside their zones. Players are free to move up and back, but never exceeding an entire zone.
GAME SHAPE
It is important for the team to maintain shape. This requires each player to ‘own their box’. This term means that whenever the ball is inside a players respective zone, that player is responsible for retrieving the ball, by either intercepting a pass or stealing it from the opposing player through a tackle.
Players may move into each box that is directly beside or in front of them, but only to occupy half of that area. That means the left forward should not drift more than half way into the striker’s area, but can check that far over if the play is on the opposite side of the field. The responsibilities of the players are broken down:
The forwards job is to score and create scoring opportunities. The forwards are encouraged to ’defend from the front’ by chasing down the ball in the entire attacking zone when the opposing team’s defenders have possession of the ball.
A right forward or winger, will run up and down the right side of the field remaining mostly within the Attacking Zone, but may move as much as halfway into the Midfield Zone if the ball is being played in our Defensive Zone. The same applies to a left forward except that he plays on the left side of the field only.
Leading the attack, the center forward or striker is in the center of the Attacking Zone. He is encouraged to stay on the last defender of the opposing team, and to stay as far upfield as possible being careful to stay onside for a pass. He will be looking for opportunities to make a run at the net and/or passing to the left or right forwards who should be moving with the play.
Being the most attacking player, the striker is not required to drop all the way back and defend. The striker should move from left to right, checking to the side of the field that the ball is on, while remaining in the attacking third. The striker will not be able receive the ball from the right midfielder if he is in the top left box, furthest from the play.
THE MIDFIELDER Being the most attacking player, the striker is not required to drop all the way back and defend. The striker should move from left to right, checking to the side of the field that the ball is on, while remaining in the attacking third. The striker will not be able receive the ball from the right midfielder if he is in the top left box, furthest from the play.
The midfielder plays a very important role in this formation and should be a strong player. He has the most ground to cover, being responsible for moving side-to-side with the play, receiving the ball from the defenders and moving the ball up to our forwards as well as dropping back to provide support for our defenders when the opposing team is attacking.
THE DEFENDERS
The Defenders job is to limit the shots on the goal keeper by winning the ball before the opposing team can take a shot, or blocking the shot with a tackle. In the attack, the outside backs (left and right defender) should look for the midfielder or respective winger (left or right forward) before looking to play the long ball forward to the striker. The center back is responsible for keeping the defense in position and organized, as well as winning tackles and making good passes.
