Free guides for grassroots coaches
Helping your team take the next step.
A free, visual coaching resource. We explain formations, playing principles and each player's job in straightforward language, with clear tactical pictures. UK-first, starting with 9v9.
The formation is our starting position. It isn't where we have to stand.
The 9v9 formation library
9v9 is England Football's maximum format for U12 and U13. Each guide shows one possible way to set up: a starting shape, four simple rules and a job for every position.
Every formation, the same four parts
Starting shape
Where players begin. It's a starting picture, not where they have to stand.
Four rules
Short, memorable decisions, each with wrong and right pictures and a cue you can say on the touchline.
Positions
A job description for every player, with one question to ask themselves.
Free playbook
A printable version to share with players and parents. No sign-up, no payment.
- Us
- Them
- Ball
- Run
- Pass
- Started here
- Key space
- Gap
- Blocked or not here
We always attack up the page. Shirt numbers describe the starting picture, not permanent jobs.
2 goes. 3, 5 and 6 protect us.
3 goes. 2, 5 and 6 protect us.
Both go forward: both sides are open.
One goes, one stays
We can attack without leaving ourselves wide open.
One outside defender can attack. The other stays.
Say it on the touchline
If the other defender goes, you stay.
Staying means moving inside a little, next to 5.
Moving from 7v7 to 9v9
The step up means two more players, a much bigger pitch and offside for the first time. Moving Up explains what changes, what stays the same and what to sort out before pre-season.
- Maximum formats: 5v5 at U8 and U9, 7v7 at U10 and U11, 9v9 at U12 and U13, 11v11 from U14
Simple pictures. Simple decisions. Play together.
One way, not the way
Every guide is one possible way to play. There's no single correct formation, and none of ours is an official recommendation.
Pictures first
One diagram at a time, with a verdict or stage and a one-line caption. Pictures show ideas, not fixed moves.
Words players can use
Short cues you can say on the touchline, taken from the playbook rather than coaching jargon.
Written by a volunteer coach. Reviewed before it's published.
How We Play is written by a volunteer grassroots youth coach, adapting a playbook first made for a real team. Coaching guidance is published only after it has been reviewed, with the date recorded. Official rules link to England Football with the date we checked them.
How We Play is an independent project. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by The FA or England Football.