Build your 6v6 soccer lineup (5 field players plus a goalkeeper) with the free lineup maker below. Pick one of 5 common 6v6 formations, type your players and drag them into place, then save the lineup as an image, print it or share a link with the team. Leave the names empty for a free 6v6 soccer lineup template with every position.
Who plays 6v6?
6v6 (five field players plus a goalkeeper) is common in rec leagues, middle school intramurals, adult small-sided leagues and indoor soccer on bigger fields.
Field size: Usually played on a reduced field of roughly 30–50 yards wide and 50–70 yards long, or on a full indoor field. Always check your league’s own rules.
The best 6v6 formations
Formations count the field players from the back to the front. The goalkeeper is not part of the numbers, so every 6v6 formation adds up to 5. Choose one in the lineup maker above to load it.
| Formation | Shape |
|---|---|
| 2-2-1 | Two defenders, two midfielders and a striker. Balanced and easy to understand. |
| 2-1-2 | Two defenders, a central midfielder and two forwards. More pressure up front. |
| 3-1-1 | Three defenders, one midfielder and a striker. Defensive and hard to break down. |
| 1-3-1 | One defender, three across the middle and a striker. Controls the midfield but needs a fast defender. |
| 2-3 | Two defenders and three attackers. Aggressive; only for teams that keep the ball well. |
6v6 positions and numbers
These are the positions in each formation with the traditional shirt number the lineup maker uses when you leave a number blank. Wide players are listed from left to right.
6v6 2-2-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Midfield: CM (8), CM (6)
Attack: ST (9)
6v6 2-1-2
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Midfield: CM (8)
Attack: ST (9), ST (10)
6v6 3-1-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: CM (8)
Attack: ST (9)
6v6 1-3-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9)
6v6 2-3
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Attack: LW (11), ST (9), RW (7)
Coaching tips for 6v6
- The 2-2-1 is the easiest shape to start with: it has three clear lines and every player has a partner.
- Ask your wide players to stay wide. With only five field players, space on the wings is where goals come from.
- If you have a strong keeper, push the back line higher to keep the team compact.
Other formats
Need a different team size? Open the soccer lineup maker with every format, or go straight to 5v5, 7v7, 8v8, 9v9, 11v11.
Organizing a tournament? Make a bracket for the knockout rounds or a round robin schedule for pool play.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on a 6v6 soccer team?
6 on the field for each team: 5 field players and a goalkeeper. Most 6v6 teams carry 8–11 players so everyone gets rest.
What is the most common 6v6 formation?
The 2-2-1. Two defenders, two midfielders and a striker. Balanced and easy to understand.
Can I add substitutes to the lineup?
Yes. Type more than 6 players and the extra names appear on the bench. Tap a starter and then a substitute to swap them.