4-3-3 · 11 players including the goalkeeper

11-a-side 4-3-3 formation diagram

A back four, one holding midfielder, two more advanced central midfielders and a front three. Compare the wide forwards’ width with the midfield’s passing connections.

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4-3-3 starting shape · Attack to the right →
Shirt numbers are examples. Replace them with your own players.

4-3-3: players and roles

4-3-3 describes ten outfield players: four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. Add the goalkeeper for eleven. This example uses one deeper holding midfielder. Adjust the midfield heights and winger positions to explore a shape that suits your team.

Goalkeeper and back fourShirt no. 1 / 2, 4, 5, 3: Place two centre-backs and two full-backs ahead of the goalkeeper. When a full-back advances, check the positions of both centre-backs and the holding midfielder.
Holding midfielderShirt no. 6: Offer a central option ahead of the defence. When moving towards the ball, consider both the next pass and the route back into a defensive position.
Advanced central midfieldersShirt no. 8, 10: Start either side of the holding midfielder and slightly ahead. Adjust their distance from the winger, full-back and centre-forward.
Front threeShirt no. 7, 9, 11: Place one centre-forward between two wingers. Use different situations to show who stays wide and who moves inside.

What to check when adjusting the shape

Avoid lining up the same-side trio

A winger, central midfielder and full-back on one straight line offer similar passing angles. Vary their depth and width to look for a triangle.

Check the space behind advancing full-backs

Create a second situation for losing possession. Decide how the centre-backs and holding midfielder cover the centre and the sides.

Set the wingers’ recovery positions

Use arrows to show where the front three start defending and how far the wingers drop back. Separate the starting shape from the recovered shape.

Try it on the board

Move one winger inside and push the full-back on that side forward. Check where the nearby midfielder can receive and where the holding midfielder would be if possession is lost.

Make this your team’s formation

Select “Edit this formation” to open a board with these 11 players.
Tap a player to change their number or name, then drag them into position.
Draw passes and runs with arrows, then copy the URL from the share menu. You can also export an image.

Edit this formation

The diagram uses QuickBoard’s shared football pitch. It illustrates player relationships, not pitch dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

Does the 4-3-3 count include the goalkeeper?

No. 4 + 3 + 3 means ten outfield players. With one goalkeeper, this diagram contains eleven players.

Can I change the midfield triangle?

Yes. The example has one deeper holding midfielder. Move the central player forward and the other two back on the board to compare a different midfield shape.