5-a-side formation
1-1-2 — The Y / High Press
One defender, one midfielder and two strikers. An aggressive shape built to press the opposition and win the ball high up the pitch.
Tap a player to see their role.
ST
Striker
Shadows the keeper or second defender, ready to intercept.
With the ball
- Run in behind to push the defence back, or drop in to link play.
- Hold the ball up and bring team-mates into play.
- Attack the near post when crosses come in.
Without the ball
- Press the centre-back on the ball and curve your run to cut off one side.
- Stop the opposition switching play across their back line.
- Drop to cover the holding midfielder when the team is defending deep.
Ideal player
Composed finisher · Strong or quick (ideally both) · Never stops making runs
At a glance
- Ages
- U10 to adult
- Best for
- Fit teams chasing a game or facing a side that struggles to play out.
- Struggles against
- A patient team with a good keeper who can chip balls over the press.
Strengths
- Two strikers make it very hard for the opposition to play out.
- Lots of players near the goal when the ball is won.
- Good for scoring goals quickly when you are behind.
Weaknesses
- Very open at the back if the press is beaten.
- Tiring: hard to sustain for a whole game.
- Little width, so build-up can be predictable.
How to fix the weaknesses
- Press only on a clear trigger, such as a bad touch or a pass back to the keeper.
- Rotate players often so fresh legs keep the press going.
- If the press is beaten, the nearest striker sprints back to help the midfielder.
Players who suit this formation
- Strikers: quick, hard working and brave.
- Midfielder: high fitness, good at winning loose balls.
- Defender: fast and able to defend 1v1 in big spaces.
Position-by-position roles
GK — Goalkeeper
Plays high as a sweeper to cover the large space behind the defender.
With the ball: Offer a safe back-pass option by moving to the side of the goal the ball is on. Without: Start high enough to sweep balls played in behind the defence.
DEF — Centre-back
Covers the whole back line and steps up to keep the team compact.
With the ball: Split wide when the keeper has the ball to create a passing angle. Without: Protect the space behind before stepping to win the ball.
MID — Central midfielder
Supports the strikers' press and picks up second balls.
With the ball: Receive on the half-turn so you can play forward. Without: Press the opposition midfielder nearest you as soon as they receive.
ST — Striker
Presses the defender on the ball and blocks the pass into the middle.
With the ball: Run in behind to push the defence back, or drop in to link play. Without: Press the centre-back on the ball and curve your run to cut off one side.
ST — Striker
Shadows the keeper or second defender, ready to intercept.
With the ball: Run in behind to push the defence back, or drop in to link play. Without: Press the centre-back on the ball and curve your run to cut off one side.
Coaching tip
Coach the strikers to press together — if one goes, both go.
FAQs
What are the strengths of the 1-1-2 in 5-a-side?
Two strikers make it very hard for the opposition to play out. Lots of players near the goal when the ball is won. Good for scoring goals quickly when you are behind.
What are the weaknesses of the 1-1-2?
Very open at the back if the press is beaten. Tiring: hard to sustain for a whole game. Little width, so build-up can be predictable.
How do you fix the 1-1-2's weaknesses?
Press only on a clear trigger, such as a bad touch or a pass back to the keeper. Rotate players often so fresh legs keep the press going. If the press is beaten, the nearest striker sprints back to help the midfielder.
What players suit a 1-1-2?
Strikers: quick, hard working and brave. Midfielder: high fitness, good at winning loose balls. Defender: fast and able to defend 1v1 in big spaces.
What beats a 1-1-2?
A patient team with a good keeper who can chip balls over the press.