Format · U12 and U13

9v9 formations

A formation is a starting picture: where nine players begin before the ball moves. Our guides set out a few ways to start, each drawn on the same pitch with the same symbols.

There's no single correct 9v9 formation. Each guide is one possible way to play, with its own starting shape, four simple rules and a job for every position.

9v9 at a glance

  • Maximum formats: 5v5 at U8 and U9, 7v7 at U10 and U11, 9v9 at U12 and U13, 11v11 from U14
  • Recommended pitch: 73 × 46m (minimum 64 × 37m)
  • Goals: 16 × 7ft
  • Ball: Size 4
  • Offside: Introduced
  • England Football's 9v9 page shows 1-3-3-2 and 1-4-3-1 as example starting shapes
Official rule verified · 19 October 2026 Season 2026/27. Check with your league for local rules.
The formationsSame pitch, same scale

One starting picture

3-1-3-1 starting shapeNine players attacking upwards in a 1-3-1-3-1: goalkeeper; 3, 5 and 2 across the back; 6 alone in front of them; 11, 10 and 7 across the middle with 10 central; 9 furthest forward. A shaded spine runs through GK, 5, 6, 10 and 9.GK3526111079

3-1-3-1

✓ Coaching reviewed · 19 October 2026
Back line
3
Midfield
1 screen, then 3 across
Forwards
1
Open 3-1-3-1 →

How the shapes differ

Structure only: how many players start in each line. This isn't a judgement about which shape is better.

Starting structure of each 9v9 formation
Line3-1-3-1
Notation1-3-1-3-1 (goalkeeper first) · 3-1-3-1 (outfield)
Back line3
Midfield1 screen, then 3 across
Forwards1
Moving up

New to 9v9?

If your team is stepping up from 7v7, start with what changes: a bigger pitch, two more players, offside and heading. Read Moving Up.