9-a-side formation
2-3-3 — Aggressive Press
Two defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. High-energy pressing that forces mistakes in the opposition's half.
Tap a player to see their role.
RW
Winger
Presses the left-back from the inside.
With the ball
- Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1.
- Cut inside onto your stronger foot or go down the line to cross.
- Attack the back post when the ball is on the other side.
Without the ball
- Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
- Block passes into the opposition's wide midfielder.
- Sprint back to help if the full-back is caught 2v1.
Ideal player
Fast and confident 1v1 · Good end product · Willing to track back
At a glance
- Ages
- U11 and U12 (fit teams)
- Best for
- Teams chasing a game or facing opponents who struggle to play out.
- Struggles against
- A 3-4-1 that plays long balls over the press.
Strengths
- Lots of players pressing high.
- Creates chances from turnovers near the opposition goal.
- Exciting, attacking football.
Weaknesses
- Only two defenders, so very exposed if the press is broken.
- Very tiring to sustain.
- Space behind the defence for long balls.
How to fix the weaknesses
- Press on clear triggers only.
- The holding midfielder drops in to make a back three when defending.
- Rotate players often to keep energy levels high.
Players who suit this formation
- Forwards: quick, hard working and brave.
- Midfielders: very high fitness.
- Centre-backs: fast and comfortable defending big spaces.
Position-by-position roles
GK — Goalkeeper
Plays high to cover space behind the two centre-backs.
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.
LCB — Centre-back
Holds a high line and covers the left side.
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.
RCB — Centre-back
Holds a high line and covers the right side.
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.
LCM — Central midfielder
Presses the opposition's midfielder on the left.
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.
CM — Holding midfielder
Screens the defence and keeps the team balanced.
With the ball: Show for the ball between or just in front of the centre-backs. Without: Screen passes into the opposition striker's feet.
RCM — Central midfielder
Presses the opposition's midfielder on the right.
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.
LW — Winger
Presses the right-back from the inside.
With the ball: Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1. Without: Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
ST — Striker
Leads the press on the centre-back with the ball.
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.
RW — Winger
Presses the left-back from the inside.
With the ball: Stay wide to create space inside, then attack the full-back 1v1. Without: Press the opposition full-back from the inside to force play down the line.
Coaching tip
Agree a press trigger as a team — such as a pass back to the keeper.
FAQs
What are the strengths of the 2-3-3 in 9-a-side?
Lots of players pressing high. Creates chances from turnovers near the opposition goal. Exciting, attacking football.
What are the weaknesses of the 2-3-3?
Only two defenders, so very exposed if the press is broken. Very tiring to sustain. Space behind the defence for long balls.
How do you fix the 2-3-3's weaknesses?
Press on clear triggers only. The holding midfielder drops in to make a back three when defending. Rotate players often to keep energy levels high.
What players suit a 2-3-3?
Forwards: quick, hard working and brave. Midfielders: very high fitness. Centre-backs: fast and comfortable defending big spaces.
What beats a 2-3-3?
A 3-4-1 that plays long balls over the press.