Football formations

Ten 11-a-side shapes, explained without jargon: how the team lines up, what each one is good at, where it struggles and which squad it suits. Pick one, then build the lineup card in Football Tactics.

• 4-4-2 Balanced and classic: two banks of four and two strikers working as a pair. Read about 4-4-2 →
• 4-3-3 Attacking: three forwards stretch the defence while a midfield trio controls the centre. Read about 4-3-3 →
• 4-2-3-1 Two holding midfielders protect the back four, three attackers feed a lone striker. Read about 4-2-3-1 →
• 4-1-4-1 One anchor shields the defence; a flat line of four supports a lone striker. Read about 4-1-4-1 →
• 4-5-1 Compact and cautious: a crowded midfield, with one striker waiting for counter-attacks. Read about 4-5-1 →
• 4-3-2-1 Christmas-tree shape: two playmakers tucked in behind a lone striker. Read about 4-3-2-1 →
• 3-5-2 Three centre-backs, wing-backs for width, five in midfield and two strikers. Read about 3-5-2 →
• 3-4-3 Bold: three at the back, four across midfield and three forwards pressing high. Read about 3-4-3 →
• 5-3-2 Defensive and solid: five at the back, three in midfield and two strikers on the break. Read about 5-3-2 →
• 5-4-1 The ultimate defence: five at the back, four in midfield and one striker. Read about 5-4-1 →

Ten formations, one tap

Not sure which shape to play? Read how each formation works, then try it on your own squad.