9v9 Youth Soccer 3-2-3 Formation - Intro, Build Up, & Defending

Introduction to Shape, Build Up Play, and Defending in your defensive 1/3 for the 3-2-3 formation at 9v9 (U12 and U11 in the US)
00:00 Start
00:34 Intro to 323
01:25 Adv of 323
02:51 Build Out Opt 1
07:38 Build Out Opt 2
10:18 Defending in def 1/3
#youthsoccer #9v9soccer #u12 #u11 #coachrorysoccer #youthsoccercoaching

[@arcticwanderer2109]

Our club is totally reliant on the 2 central midfielders. They work brilliantly together. Whenever one of them is subbed, the possession percentage goes down. We get attacked more and create very few counters. If you have great midfielders you are always in the game in youth soccer and win most of them.

[@MikeBaas]

Now I finally know what all the other teams we play are doing!

[@MikeBaas]

Coming back to this video, thank you for the reminder for the possession-addicted coaches to encourage direct balls and recognizing pressure when applicable.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

As your team gets older you’ll need to mix up some direct balls over the top to keep teams honest.

[@LaserrSharp]

Thank you for these videos. Would love to see more 11v11 videos.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

On the list!

[@Artie_Fufkin]

Really important in this setup for the two central mids to be able to work together. Had an inexperienced group, and that was probably the biggest challenge I had when I did 3-2-3. Those two really have to support each other and have such a strong game sense. As with everything, the types of players you have are a determining factor. Also probably a positional coaching weakness on my end. But I ended up finding I had three strong central mids with great game sense who were strong on ball. So I went with a 3-3-2 and it simplified everything and really maximized the potential of those central mids. However, now we have a good season under our belts so this video reminds me to re-consider both the 3-2-3 and the 4-3-1. All your videos are really helpful!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

These are excellent points! Absolutely important to shape your team based on the players. I’ve learned that the hard way. I have two 9v9 team right now and one is in a 4-3-1 another in 3-2-3. Completely based on the personal and level of the teams.

[@laxrulz7]

The tactical difference between a two CB vs. 1 CB team is (IMO) the single biggest tactical difference that teams (of all levels). The only thing even comparable is whether you're playing a single pivot or double pivot and even that pails in comparison. From what I've seen, playing a flat four is still rare in American youth soccer. It's much more common to play with either a back four diamond (sweeper/stopper) or just a straight back 3. Even at the high school level, I've not seen a ton of flat back fours with zonal CBs. I think the reason it simply requires too much training time (supplemented with film time) and so it tends to get implemented in college and professional levels instead. If you're lucky enough to have two really great CBs who can play together, go for it. You'll give them a head start on their playing career in some ways. But I wouldn't "plan" on it.

[@fodaytarawali6613]

The second option is a good option if your players are technically good as the press does not matter and your playing to your strengths and your assuming the defenders can deal with it. ideally it works both sides to counter the predictability likewise the middle 2 dictate the switch due to the space created on the otherside. Won a league and cup double winning 10 games in a row. It is very player specific quick stong technical player.

[@a.a.c.belouizdad]

Amazing content ❤❤❤❤

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Thanks!!

[@elliotlane3225]

Keep them coming! Just moved to 9v9, larger size 4 football, bigger goals, offsides and no retreat from the deadball - so any training drills content on 9v9 welcome!

[@realcneale]

Keep em coming coach! You’re the best 👍❤

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Thank you! Will do!

[@TinyBerner]

Nice tips

[@TinyBerner]

I hope I do good at soccer tryouts

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Good luck!

[@laxrulz7]

The 431 puts a LOT of pressure on the fullbacks. IDK about boys soccer but at least in the girls game, it's hard to find two players that can play all the way up and down a flank consistently. The 323 allows for that width without needing really fast, high endurance players.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

I hear you. I like the 431 best but it is very dependent on the players you have etc

[@cameronhyland7010]

In the boys game 11v11 I had some amazing players at FB who loved to run and could really handle the ball. They were defensive minded and were perfect. It was a dream and so fun to watch them operate.

[@quillo8]

Good job, our teams did a great season in 7 aside and 9 aside (3-2-3), but 11 aside is totally a challenge, attacking patterns dont work as the opponents have too many defenders at the back, pitch size is to big and leads to miss longer passes, what would you recommend?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

I have an entire 11v11 series planned. So hopefully more to come!

[@Funtimes874]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@RayhanM7]

My coach made me watch this and this helped a lot

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Awesome.

[@MikeBaas]

Coach, thinking about ending out the season in 3-2-3 to see what it has to offer. I'll send updates!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Let me know how it goes!! Going to have the second 323 vid up soon. Spring season and commitments have been crazy!!! I’ve had no time.

[@illinest]

Watching the press-breaking portion... I am sure this is dependent on personnel but have you given thought to having the 8 move out wide, have the six slide into the middle and have the 11 drop into the midfield? That lets the 7 stay high which pins the opposing fullback, and it rotates the backside wing into a more defensive position in case things go wrong. I think it would also just straight-up confuse any of the simple presses.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Oh yes. This video is really meant to be a beginners guide but depending on your players yes you could absolutely do and train that.

[@RayhanM7]

My coach made me watch this and it helped a lot

[@ronerson8]

Hi thanks for this video , What is the rules at 9v9 at Michigan? Because in Israel there isnt really a 16 box and then the att players start their press in the build up really close to the players ,more then you show . The other thing is that the most of the pressure are 1 to 1 pressure include the full backs with the wingers. It is kind of dangerous to the defending team wirh 1 vs 1 with the 9 attacking player, but most of the players in this ages cant kick a long shot to him..

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Not sure about Michigan. I’m in Pennsylvania grew up in Michigan however but I assume it’s the same. You can setup anywhere outside the 18 and once ball is played press. If a team is really pressing high you could look to play direct to your fullbacks or midfielders. Or just be ready to switch field when press comes to your CB.

[@elliotlane3225]

We have 2 slower lads in defence so offside is an issue now at 9v9. Is it time for the sweeper/libero to come back and use a quicker midfielder in that role or just use a CDM in front of them?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Well if your playing with 3 in the back I’d put the strongest player in the middle.

[@mateusznalborczyk183]

Hi 11:24 if no 11 dribbles no 2, or 6 or 8, shouldn't he belaying or shouldn't the centre-back do that?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

If 11 dribbles past 2? Yes the idea of delaying the person with the ball is key here. In this specific situation at 11:24 the opponent 11 has ball on the wing 1v1 so our CB (4) needs to cover space behind hut also know where opponent 9 is at. Does that answer your question?

[@barryanderson3568]

What would you do if you had to play 8v 8 including a goalie? We have to play that way in Canada. I’ve done 2-4-1 and a 3-3-1

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Either 2-4-1 or 2-3-2 depending on the specially players on your team.

[@barryanderson3568]

I found when we played the better teams we got caught with two at the back so I tried three, the benefit was two wide players on each side @@CoachRorySoccer

[@USCCUSMA]

Do you ever ask your 2 and 3 to lineup inside the 18 as opposed to right on the outside edge?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

In build out? They could be a bit inside it but I usually tell them to stand on the 18 manly because I don’t want them standing right next to the keeper.

[@USCCUSMA]

@@CoachRorySoccer I see a lot of pro teams lineup their 2 and 3 close to the keeper in Build out which is why I was curious if you ever do the same.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

@@USCCUSMA gotcha. Yeah I don’t see any real advantage because your closing your space

[@gaminglover3688]

Can you show how to attack in 3-2- 3 formation ?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Absolutely! That’s on the cue to record!

[@ctt1313]

Where in Michigan are you, Rory?!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Grew up in SE MI. Am currently in central PA

[@nathangrima6503]

Only new to coaching and soccer but why is there no 5 or 10 on the board? Numbers go 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,11?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

It’s 9v9. The numbering system is for 11v11.

[@nathangrima6503]

@@CoachRorySoccer oh I see so you just take out the 5 and 10.

[@USCCUSMA]

What position do you have take the throwins in this formation?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Typically the fullbacks but this is an age now where they should be looking for an advantage so if the wing is closest to the ball when it goes out and he wants to play it quickly in because he sees an advantage I’d encourage them to do it. Either way it should be a wide player. Unless it’s like the last play of the game and your getting your strongest player to chuck a ball into the box from a throw. I use dedicated patterns on throws as I’m sure you already know.

[@VV-gb8vz]

I don’t get why you ”have to” to do one of these suggestions. My team doesn’t work like this. For example I like when the players switch positions in build up play and that’s why my team has been succesful. Don’t listen to the narrative that you ”have to” do like this guy is saying. Be creative and try different things! It will make you a better coach.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

These are options. You clearly didn’t get it.

[@VV-gb8vz]

@@CoachRorySoccer I got it. I just think these suggestions are limited. Sorry