A 2-1-3-1 soccer formation is a good option for youth soccer coaches who coach 8v8 teams. It consists of two Fullbacks (FB), one Stopper (ST), three Midfielders (3MF), and a Target Forward. We will also discuss other 8v8 soccer formations.
There are many advantages to a 2-1-3-1 soccer formation:
– Four layers of players. This will give you more depth than a 3-2-2 or 2-2-2 soccer formation. The 2-1-3-1 soccer formation has a strong center (between the two goals), which is crucial for recreational soccer teams. This extra depth will also reduce the number easy goals and breakaways your team loses. This soccer formation will allow you to concede fewer goals.
– A “Target Forward” dedicated to keeping you Pushed Up towards the Halfway Line whenever your goal is under attack. He or she will shift from side-toside SPBO with the ball in order to win cleared balls. This will keep Fullbacks away from your side and provide you with a breakaway threat for quick counterattacks.
It is crucial to have a strong player at the Center Midfield (CMF), and another at the Stopper.
– Your weakest players can be placed at Right Midfield or Left Midfield. This will help to slow down the attacks of the opposing team.
– Competitive Recreational soccer teams that have strong Forward, CMF, and Stopper players should be successful.
You should consider if you’re a youth soccer coach in one of the 8v8 soccer formations.
Have brave Fullbacks. As long as your FBs don’t push past the Penalty Box Line, you can play slow and inept players at FB. You must Push Up your Facebooks to the Halfway Line.
Playing in goal requires some compromises Rec soccer is a better game if you have a great player on the field or an athlete who can play well in the field. This has been proven by coaches who have found that great athletes make more difference at Stopper than Goalie. A great Stopper can make up to a goal difference of 2 to 3. It is not possible to make Goalkeepers who don’t want it. They will either resent it, or become bored and won’t do a good job. You can motivate players to be Goalkeeper if you don’t have enough. While I don’t see anything wrong with one goalie, you’ll need to have a backup. These are two ideas to encourage players to become Goalkeepers: Thank the Goalie(s), in front of teammates and parents, after every game. Also, praise them. Many goals are not the Goalie’s fault. If defenders did a great job, the ball wouldn’t reach the Goalie. 2. You can get a “Goalie” special incentive patch with ironing from Soccer Help or any other source.
– To teach One-Touch play, Aggressive Receiving and Dribble Around Cone & Pass Relay Race soccer drills
– The “Shoulder Tackle & Strong on the Ball” soccer drill can be used at your next practice. It is quick and effective. This drill will teach your players how shoulder tackle works and how to resist a shoulder tackle.
– Use the “Win the 50/50 ball or be the First Defender One v One Attacking & Defending soccer drill.
– As a warm up, you can try the “Dribble Across a Square” soccer drill. Once with a square that is 10 steps wide (to teach Control Dribbling), and twice with a square that is 17 steps wide (to teach acceleration into Open Space).
Practice teaching the basics to your Goalies for about 15 minutes. You can read my other articles to learn more about what you should teach.
You might also consider other 8v8 soccer formations such as a 2/2-2-2 (2 Fullbacks and a Stopper), 2 Midfielders, 2 Forwards and 2 Midfielders), a 2/2-2-2 (a Sweeper and 2 Fullbacks), 2 Midfielders, 2 Forwards and 2 Midfielders), and a 2/2-2-2 (a Sweeper and 2 Fullbacks), 3 Midfielders, and a Target Forward), or a 2/3-1 (a Sweper, 3 Fullbacks and 3 Midfielders, 3 Fullbacks and 3 Fullbacks and 3 Midfielders, and 1 Forward and a Goal Forwards). Your players’ speed, endurance and speed should determine the formation you choose.