Futsal formation maker: a free lineup board
Pick a preset for anything from 5-a-side futsal to 11-a-side soccer, add your player names and your lineup is done. Drag players around, then share it to your group chat as an image or link.
Numbers are players per line: defense-midfield-attack. The goalkeeper isn't counted.
Drag a sub onto a player on the pitch, or tap the sub and then the player, to swap them.
The first name goes in goal, then the rest fill in from defense to attack. Anyone beyond the format's size goes to the bench. You can paste your group chat poll as-is; numbers and emoji are ignored.
Drag players to move them. Tap a player to change their name and number.
What else the app can do
✅Auto lineup from confirmed playersFills each position using only the players who said they're comingIn the app › 📲Share the formation in-appNo more group chat images: everyone sees their spot on the game screenIn the app › 🧩A formation for each teamSet up separate lineups for every team in an intra-squad gameIn the app › 📊Match records & season statsGoals, assists and attendance add up into a season recordIn the app ›5-a-side futsal formations: which one and when
Futsal is played five a side, including the goalkeeper. Your formation is how you line up the four outfield players, usually written as the number of players per line from defense to attack. Here are the four setups amateur teams use most. Click the presets on the board above as you read and it'll click much faster.
1-2-1 diamond: the go-to for a new team
One defender (the fixo), two wingers (alas) and one striker up top (the pivot) form a diamond. Passing lanes open up in every direction, so it's easy to keep the ball, and everyone knows which space is theirs. The weakness: if the wingers get lazy tracking back, the lone fixo gets caught 2-on-1. If your players are similar in ability and fit enough to cover ground, or you're picking a formation for the first time, start with the 1-2-1.
2-2 box: when your defense is shaky
Two at the back and two up front make a square. With two players always staying back, you're hard to hit on the counter, and teams with a few beginners concede far fewer goals. On the flip side, the middle is empty so it's easy to lose the link between defense and attack, and if your two forwards get isolated it's hard to get shots off. It's a good shape for protecting a lead or dealing with quick opposing forwards.
2-1-1: stability with a link man
Two defenders, one midfielder in front of them and one striker. You keep the security of the 2-2 but add a connector in the middle. It only really works with a good passer in that midfield role, and the defenders have to take turns stepping up to cover the flanks. It suits teams with one standout player who can run the game.
3-1: defending a lead, or when you have a strong pivot
Three defenders spread wide with just one player up top. It's hard for opponents to get round you on the wings, and it saves energy. The striker has to hold the ball up and buy time for teammates to join, so it works best with a pivot who's strong and comfortable playing with their back to goal. With fewer bodies in attack, switch to a 1-2-1 when you need a goal.
6, 7, 8 and 11-a-side formations at a glance
| Format | Recommended | In a nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| 6-a-side | 2-2-1, 2-1-2 | Two fixed defenders is a safe bet. Go 2-1-2 to be more attacking. |
| 7-a-side | 3-2-1, 2-3-1 | The most common small-sided setups. Midfield numbers decide who controls possession. |
| 8-a-side | 3-3-1, 3-2-2 | On a bigger pitch, 3-3-1 fills the middle. Need goals? Try 3-2-2. |
| 11-a-side | 4-4-2, 4-3-3 | 4-4-2 is the Sunday league classic. Quick wingers? 4-3-3. Strong midfield? 4-2-3-1. |
Tips for making formations work on an amateur team
- Share it the night before. Sorting positions at the field eats into your warm-up. One image and everyone shows up knowing where they're playing.
- Talk about jobs, not just positions. One or two concrete rules like "drop back the moment we lose the ball" get followed far better than just "you're in defense."
- Plan the sub order too. Futsal has rolling subs, so deciding who comes on for whom makes it much easier to manage everyone's legs.
- Change one thing at a time. Overhauling everything when you're losing just causes chaos. Shifting a single player between lines can be enough to change the game.
- Keep records and decisions get easier. Track which formations let in fewer goals and you'll be choosing based on evidence, not gut feeling.
Want to dig deeper into futsal positions and roles? Read our futsal formations guide.
FAQ
What is the most common 5-a-side futsal formation?
The 1-2-1 diamond is the most common: one defender, two midfielders and one forward in front of the goalkeeper. It balances attack and defense and gives everyone a clear role, so new teams settle in quickly. If your defense is struggling, try the 2-2 box.
How do I share my formation in a group chat?
Tap Save as image to create a PNG with the pitch and player names. On a phone you can send it straight from the share sheet. Tap Share link to copy a link that opens the exact same lineup.
What happens if I have more players than the format needs?
Positions are filled in the order you entered the names, and everyone else goes to the bench below the pitch. Drag a sub onto a player on the pitch, or tap the sub and then the player, to swap them.
Is my lineup saved?
Yes, it's saved automatically in your browser, so it's still there when you come back. Nothing is sent to a server. To open it on another device, use the link from Share link.
Can I make 11-a-side soccer formations too?
Yes. Choose 11 players per side and the pitch switches to full-size soccer markings, with 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 presets. There are also presets for 6, 7 and 8-a-side games.