Lineup planner
Football Formation Builder
Create a football lineup, position players and plan a simple tactical shape for 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side or futsal matches.
Team A · 1-2-1
GK
DEF
LW
RW
FWD
Team B · 1-2-1
GK
DEF
LW
RW
FWD
Quick answer
What a formation builder does
A football formation builder helps you turn a squad list into a starting shape. It is useful when you need to explain who starts in goal, who protects the middle, who gives width and who stays high.
How to create a football lineup
Choose the match format, select a playing style and add player names. For grassroots teams, start with your strongest keeper or organiser, then place reliable defenders and runners before deciding attacking roles.
5-a-side, futsal and 7-a-side setups
In 5-a-side and futsal, compact shapes such as 1-2-1 and 2-2 keep the team connected. In 7-a-side, 2-3-1 gives width and a clear striker. Use the builder as a planning board, then adjust based on the players and venue.
How grassroots teams can use it
Use the formation as a simple pre-match plan, then adjust after five minutes if the opposition overloads one side or your team cannot play out. A good tactics board is a conversation starter, not a rigid script.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an ambitious shape that your players cannot keep when tired.
- Ignoring the keeper's role in small-sided build-up.
- Putting every ball carrier in advanced positions and leaving no one to protect counters.
From planning to review
Planning tactics is only the first step. Reviewing real match footage shows whether the shape actually worked. Pitchside is pre-launch and being built to help football teams turn that footage into stats, highlights and key moments.
Related Pitchside tools
Plan your team shape before kickoff
Pitchside AI is being built to help teams review stats, highlights and key moments after the match.
FAQs
Is Pitchside focused on full 11-a-side football?+
Pitchside's product focus is small-sided and grassroots football during private beta. The formation planner may include larger tactical templates for planning, but the analysis product should not be read as confirmed full 11-a-side support.
Can I use this as a futsal formation builder?+
Yes. Use the 5-a-side format for futsal-style shapes and think in roles such as keeper, last player, wide players and pivot.
What is the best 5-a-side formation?+
A 1-2-1 diamond is usually the safest 5-a-side shape because it gives a defender, two passing options and a forward. A 2-2 is simpler if your team needs defensive structure.
What is the best futsal formation?+
Many futsal teams use a 2-2 or 1-2-1 depending on rotation and player confidence. The best shape is the one your players can keep while pressing, defending transitions and using the keeper as a reset.
Is this a football tactics board?+
Yes. It acts as a simple football tactics board online for planning lineups, roles and match ideas before a grassroots or amateur game.
Can I add player names to the formation?+
Yes. Add player names by position for Team A, then optionally add Team B with its own player list and formation. The pitch view keeps role labels visible on mobile and desktop.
What is the difference between football and futsal formations?+
Futsal uses a smaller court, heavier rotations and less space, so roles are more fluid. Outdoor football formations usually hold wider lanes and more fixed defensive lines.
Read more for this tool
5 A Side Formations: Best 5v5 Football Setups and Tactics
Compare the best 5 a side formations, including 1-2-1, 2-2, 2-1-1 and 1-1-2, with roles, strengths, weaknesses and tactical tips.
Open guideBest 7 a side formation: why 2-3-1 works for most teams
Learn the best 7 a side formations, including 2-3-1, 3-2-1, 3-1-2, 2-2-2 and 1-3-2. Find the right 7v7 football formation for your team.
Open guide