Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 9v9 match play (2-5-1)

2-5-1

Formation 2-5-1

Well balanced formation, Gives good numbers in midfield if looking to dominate possesion, can lead to striker becoming isolated. need players to understand roles clearly. In my view main advantage of this starting formation is how easy it is to progress into other shapes, once players have the basic understanding of the 2-5-1, changes can be made depending on oppositons tactics and ability, and dependant on the live situaton wihtin the game.

Attacking becomes 2-3-3 0r 2-3-2-1

Can encourage teams to play two ways when attacking, either try to play through the center of pitch with the two more advanced midfielders supporting striker.

Or play with width encouraging two wide player to play high up pitch, CDM in this situation will need to be disciplined and drop in between 2 central defender in order for them to cover each wing from a defensive point of view.

Defending becomes 4-3-1 or 3-4-1

If wanting to use as a defensive formation wide players can become full/wing backs, or CDM drops in to form a back three.

I Prefer to see this as a more attacking minded formation.

2-3-3 cont

CDM has now recieved ball as last man, the 2 CM must now come and show for the ball whilst both DEF remain wide to give passing options.

CDM should have options right & left, plus at least one of the CM's, failing that the ball should be palyed back to keeper, either to clear or build from there.

3-4-1 defensive

Very solid defensive formation, would lead to 3-5-2 if progressed up to 11v11.

in this format however leaves striker isolated, in oreder to be effective when attacking in this shape team needs to be organised and move up pitch together. long balls are innefective, unless R & L mid are encouraged to stay up and help striker.

if reverting to 4-3-1 this is even more defensive, would have to encourage full backs to press forward in order to give option to attack from a strong defensive base.