How to play 231 - a 7v7 formation

Here are the basics of a 231 formation.
(Usually we do not play with the offside rule and this should be exploited!)

This is predominantly about playing out the back, creating defensive cover moving forwards and getting the ball forward as quickly as possible.

The space to exploit are the offensive corners of the pitch and we try to get the ball there as quickly as possible and play from the corner.

The ball warm-up is a practiced pattern of play, that can also be set up on the pitch to finish in the goal.

Other relevant warm-up, training & SSG's:
Active Stretching (pre-game):    • 7v7 Active stretching warm-up, leadin...  
The Four Square Game:    • The Four Square Game (small sided gam...  
Out the back to shooting drill:    • 231 shooting drill (Down the line)  


Here is the progressive development of these tactical theories:
   • 7v7, a 231 "advanced" tactical theory.