The final part of our small sided tactics blog with Coach Brian Mcdermott. Here Brian gives you his 7-a-side football tactics tips and pick...

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Diego Maradona served up one of the truly outstanding individual performances the world has ever seen. If there ever was a case where tactics went out the window and the instruction was to simply “just pass him the ball and hope for the best” this was it! Now if by chance your 7-a-side team has its very own Maradona within its ranks then ignore the tactical advice below, you know what to do (just give him the ball) but if your side are devoid of a South American genius and as a team you play more like Rotherham than Real Madrid, then you better get reading! And when you’re finished, you’ll be sorted and can register your team in the Inter7s leagues! Simples. http://www.inter7s.com/inscriptions

Formation: 1-2-2-2

(GK-DEF-DEF-MID-MID-ST-ST)

Pros – Offers great balance right through the team from having a solid base at the back, numbers in midfield and a focal point up top. Any team that makes the bold move of playing with two strikers will likely be rewarded with goals.

Cons – It’s a very rigid formation so unless everyone knows their role in and out of possession otherwise the opposition will likely pick holes in it. This formation can only work if your midfielders offer balance between defence and attack.  

Formation: 1-2-3-1

(GK-DEF-DEF-MID-MID-MID-ST)

Pros – Ideal for looking to gain control in midfield, provides an excellent platform for players (especially in midfield) to transition between defending/attacking, good support numbers available to help lone striker.

Cons – Unless midfielders are willing to transition your defenders may be left exposed and the striker swallowed up when the ball is played up front.

Formation: 1-1-3-2

(GK-DEF-MID-MID-MID-ST-ST)

Pros – Having two front man increases the chances of goals, three midfield players make it ideal for looking to control the game. Super formation for pressing from the front.

Cons – May leave your defender isolated in a 1vs1 situation with the opposition striker, unless midfielders are willing to help out defensively you will likely see your team concede a lot of goals. 

Formation: 1-3-2-1

(GK-DEF-DEF-DEF-MID-MID-ST)

Pros – With three defenders this formation is perfect for a team willing to sit in and hit on the counterattack, allows wing backs to exploit flanks due to team having light numbers in midfield.  

Cons – Lone striker may find it tough going if the support from midfield and wing backs isn’t forthcoming, likely to give up possession to opposition in their own half which could make it extremely tough for your team to regain the ball.

Brian’s Pick
The 1-2-3-1 formation is ideal for any Inter7s side with designs of keeping the ball and adding a more patient side to their play. With two defenders it will give your side an excellent foundation to build from the back, into midfield with strength in numbers. I wouldn't worry too much about only having one striker up top, if you look to transition quickly your team has the numbers in midfield, in this formation to support the striker. Again, like anything if the team shares the workload in key areas of the pitch i.e. tracking back when out of possession and move as a team when your side are attacking, this will cause your opponents a lot of problems.