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5-a-side positions and formations

Five players: a keeper and four outfield. That leaves room for only a few shapes, and the right one depends on whether your team can run, who can defend, and how small the pitch is. Here are the common ones and when to use them.

The positions

Position	What they do
Keeper	Stops shots and starts attacks. Most 5-a-side goals come from close range, so the keeper's distribution matters as much as their saves: a quick roll to a free player beats a long punt.
Defender (the "last man")	Stays goal-side, covers the space behind, and rarely crosses halfway. Needs to be calm and good at reading a pass.
Wide players or midfielders	Do most of the running. They support the attack, then get back. On a small pitch, they're the ones who decide the game.
Pivot (the striker)	Stays high, holds the ball up with their back to goal, and lays it off or turns. Good for a team that likes to go direct.

In practice, everyone attacks and everyone defends. The positions are a starting point, not a rule.

The common formations

Formations count outfield players only, from the back. The keeper isn't included.

1-2-1 (the diamond)

One defender, two wide players, one pivot. The most common 5-a-side shape, because it covers the whole pitch and gives the player on the ball an option on every side. It relies on the two wide players working hard both ways. If they don't get back, the last defender is left on their own.

2-1-1

Two defenders, one midfielder, one up top. Safer than the diamond and good against quick teams, or when you're protecting a lead. The cost is fewer bodies going forward, so the pivot needs to hold the ball until help arrives.

2-2 (the square)

Two at the back, two up front. Simple to understand and easy to keep, which makes it good for a new team or a casual game. It can leave a gap in the middle, so the back two need to step in when the ball's there.

1-1-2

One defender, one midfielder, two forwards. All-out attack, for when you're chasing a game. Use it late, not from the start.

Rolling subs and rush goalie

Many games play with a rolling sub, so the hardest-working positions can swap out. Some casual games have no fixed keeper at all and play "rush goalie", where whoever is furthest back goes in goal. League games almost always have a fixed keeper. For the rules that change from venue to venue, see our 5-a-side rules guide.

Picking a shape for your team

New team, mixed ability: start with 2-2. It's easy to remember and nobody is left alone at the back.
Fit team that likes the ball: 1-2-1. It gives you width and passing angles.
Good defenders, one strong forward: 2-1-1, and play the ball into the pivot early.
Losing with five minutes left: 1-1-2, and accept the risk.

If you're starting out, our guide on how to start a 5-a-side team covers finding players and a regular slot.