Build your 9v9 soccer lineup (8 field players plus a goalkeeper) with the free lineup maker below. Pick one of 5 common 9v9 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 9v9 soccer lineup template with every position.
Who plays 9v9?
9v9 (eight field players plus a goalkeeper) is the US Soccer small-sided standard for U11 and U12, the last step before full 11v11.
Field size: US Youth Soccer recommends a field of roughly 70–80 yards long and 45–55 yards wide for 9v9, with 7 x 21 ft goals and a size 4 ball. Always check your league’s own rules.
The best 9v9 formations
Formations count the field players from the back to the front. The goalkeeper is not part of the numbers, so every 9v9 formation adds up to 8. Choose one in the lineup maker above to load it.
| Formation | Shape |
|---|---|
| 3-2-3 | The classic 9v9: three defenders, two central midfielders and a front three. Great width and a natural bridge to 4-3-3. |
| 3-3-2 | Three defenders, three midfielders and two strikers. Strong midfield with a strike partnership. |
| 2-4-2 | Two defenders, a flat midfield four and two strikers. Very attacking; needs fast center backs. |
| 3-1-3-1 | Three defenders, a holding midfielder, three attacking midfielders and a striker. Controls the middle of the field. |
| 4-3-1 | Four defenders, three midfielders and a lone striker. The safest 9v9 shape; good for protecting a lead. |
9v9 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.
9v9 3-2-3
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: CM (8), CM (6)
Attack: LW (11), ST (9), RW (7)
9v9 3-3-2
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9), ST (10)
9v9 2-4-2
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), CM (6), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9), ST (10)
9v9 3-1-3-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Defensive midfield: CDM (6)
Attacking midfield: LM (11), CAM (10), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9)
9v9 4-3-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), CB (5), RB (2)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9)
Coaching tips for 9v9
- The 3-2-3 is the most common 9v9 formation: it prepares players for the 4-3-3 they will play in 11v11.
- Wingers in 9v9 should hug the touchline in attack and tuck in when the other team has the ball.
- Use the 3-3-2 if you have two strikers who combine well; switch to 3-2-3 when you want width.
Other formats
Need a different team size? Open the soccer lineup maker with every format, or go straight to 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, 8v8, 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 9v9 soccer team?
9 on the field for each team: 8 field players and a goalkeeper. Most 9v9 teams carry 11–14 players so everyone gets rest.
What is the most common 9v9 formation?
The 3-2-3. The classic 9v9: three defenders, two central midfielders and a front three. Great width and a natural bridge to 4-3-3.
Can I add substitutes to the lineup?
Yes. Type more than 9 players and the extra names appear on the bench. Tap a starter and then a substitute to swap them.