The Seven Questions About Junior Soccer Formations That You Were Afraid To Ask...

1.What Is A Soccer Formation Or System? A formation is the way a team positions its players in defense, midfield and attack. Formations are normally referred to in numbers, such as or 4-5-1, though occasionally they are given names like 'diamond' and 'Christmas tree' as they describe the shape of the formation. With formations the goalkeeper isn't included so the numbers always add up to ten (the number of outfield players on the pitch).

2.What Do The Numbers Represent In A Soccer System? The numbers always start with the defense and move through midfield and then on to attack. With 4-5-1, for example, there are four defenders, five in midfield and just one striker.

3.Are Formations Important? As with most things, someone who has a plan tends to do better than those without one. Soccer formations give the team structure, and therefore a plan of how they are going to play.

4.Should I Coach Systems To Junior Soccer Players? Even with small kids it is useful to get them to understand their role in the team otherwise all the players tend to just run after the ball. In saying that, if you coach young children remember not to get too hung up on systems as they will gradually understand, by regular drills, that the ball will come to them if they are in their position. …cont.

4.Should I Coach Systems To Junior Soccer Players? Certainly the more competitive the matches your junior soccer team plays the more you, and your players, will need to understand formations.

5.How do I know what formation is right for my team? Do not decide on a system then try to fit your players into that formation. Look at your players' strengths and weaknesses and then see how they would fit in the various systems. Look for a balance in your team so that one side (left or right) or area (defense, midfield or attack) of the team isn't too weak.

6.Do I need to have more than one formation? To start with you may wish to stick with just one system but you should look at other systems as you may want to change your formation, for example, due to: Changes in personnel in your team The system not work well with a particular opponent Poor performances during matches.

7.Should I change formations during a game? If your starting formation isn't working then change it but because soccer is a fluid game you may just wish to tweak the system to start. If you are going to change system during a game you must first work out what is going wrong and how a change in the system will fix it. … cont.

7.Should I change formations during a game? A word of caution; do not change formation just for the sake of it, and do not make too many changes during a game as this will lead to confusion and mistakes. There are many famous coaches around the world, such as Fabio Capello, who are a strong believer in one system and rarely change formation so don't worry if you've only got the one club in your bag.

Just remember, there is no such thing as the perfect soccer formation. The best formation for your team is the one that accentuates your players' strengths and hides their weaknesses.

There will be several strategic formations that will work for your soccer team and your job is to choose the best one or ones: Make the correct choices and it will give your team a competitive advantage.

For more information on formations plus plenty of hints, tips, drills and techniques to improve your team's performance and increase your knowledge as a coach, go to SoccerTrainingForKids.com Why not take the opportunity to sign up for the five day mini course specifically designed for the brand new soccer coach.