Tactics / Formations

Formations

The common shapes for each format, on a pitch of the right size. Switch between having the ball and not having it to see how a team breathes.

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Shape

With the ball, the team spreads out to make the pitch big.

A shape is a starting point

Formations describe where players start, not where they stay. With young players, rotate positions so everyone learns to defend, attack and, from 5v5 up, to play in goal.

The "without the ball" view is a simple picture of a team dropping back and closing up. Real teams shift towards the ball, too: see move as a block.