Our Football Lineup / Formation Builder helps coaches and players create custom team lineups, choose formations, and arrange player positions. Build your ideal football starting XI quickly and easily with this free tool.
Football Lineup & Formation Builder
Pick a formation, add your players and shirt numbers, drag them anywhere on the pitch and download your team lineup as an image or PDF. Works for 11-a-side, 7-a-side and 5-a-side.
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- Team & Formation
- Players
- Lineup
Set Up Your Team
Choose the match size, formation and kit color. Team details are optional.
Add Your Players
Type a shirt number and name for each position. Tap C to pick your captain. Empty boxes use the usual number and the position name.
Your Team Lineup
Drag any player to move them on the pitch. Your changes are saved.
Your lineup is saved only in this browser. Share the image in your team chat or print the PDF for the dressing room.
Three Classic Formations Compared
The same 11 players, three very different shapes. The numbers always start from the defence and end with the attack.
How The Lineup Builder Works
Four quick steps to a lineup you can share.
Pick A Formation
11, 7 or 5-a-side, plus kit color.
Add Your Players
Names, shirt numbers and a captain.
Drag To Adjust
Move any player on the pitch.
Download And Share
PNG image, PDF or copied text.
What Is A Football Lineup Builder?
A football lineup builder lets coaches, captains and fans show a starting team on a pitch. Instead of writing names on a whiteboard, you pick a formation, type in your players and get a clean team sheet in seconds.
The GlobeHour Football Lineup & Formation Builder has 12 formations for 11-a-side, 4 for 7-a-side and 4 for 5-a-side. You can choose the kit color, mark your captain, add substitutes and drag players to the exact spot you want. When you are happy, download a sharp PNG image for your team chat or a branded PDF team sheet to print.
11-A-Side Formations Explained
Every formation in the builder, with what it does well.
| Formation | Shape | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 | Two banks of four, two strikers | Simple, balanced teams and amateur football |
| 4-3-3 | Three midfielders, two wingers | Pressing high and attacking down the wings |
| 4-2-3-1 | Two holding midfielders, a No. 10 | Control in midfield with a strong defensive base |
| 4-1-4-1 | One holding midfielder behind four | Staying compact against stronger teams |
| 4-5-1 | Five across midfield | Defending a lead and winning midfield battles |
| 4-4-1-1 | A second striker behind the No. 9 | Linking midfield and attack |
| 4-3-1-2 | Narrow diamond with two strikers | Teams with a creative playmaker |
| 3-5-2 | Three center backs, wing backs | Strong wing backs and two strikers |
| 3-4-3 | Wide midfielders and three forwards | All-out attack and high pressing |
| 3-4-2-1 | Two attacking midfielders behind a striker | Overloads between the lines |
| 5-3-2 | Five at the back, two strikers | Solid defending and quick counter attacks |
| 5-4-1 | Two deep banks behind one striker | Protecting a result against strong opponents |
How Formation Numbers Add Up
The numbers in a formation always add up to the outfield players. The goalkeeper is the extra one.
| Match Size | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 11-A-Side | Defenders + Midfielders + Forwards = 10 | 4-3-3 → 4 + 3 + 3 = 10, plus GK = 11 |
| 7-A-Side | Outfield lines add up to 6 | 2-3-1 → 2 + 3 + 1 = 6, plus GK = 7 |
| 5-A-Side | Outfield lines add up to 4 | 1-2-1 → 1 + 2 + 1 = 4, plus GK = 5 |
| Four Lines | Split midfield into two lines | 4-2-3-1 → 4 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 10 |
Classic Shirt Numbers By Position
The builder fills these in when you leave a number box empty.
| Number | Usual Position | Example Player Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goalkeeper | Shot stopper and organizer |
| 2 And 3 | Right back and left back | Defend wide, overlap in attack |
| 4 And 5 | Center backs | Win headers and block shots |
| 6 And 8 | Central midfielders | Protect the defence and pass forward |
| 7 And 11 | Right and left wingers | Beat defenders and cross |
| 9 | Striker | Main goal scorer |
| 10 | Attacking midfielder or second striker | Creates chances |
How To Pick The Right Formation
- Start from your best players and pick a shape that suits them.
- Use two strikers only if your midfield can still win the ball.
- Pick a back three only if you have fit, fast wing backs.
- Keep one holding midfielder against stronger teams.
- In 7-a-side, 2-3-1 gives young players the most touches.
- Name a captain who talks and organizes on the pitch.
- Share the lineup image before the match so everyone knows their role.
- Try a second formation for when you are chasing a goal.
Football Lineup Builder FAQ
How Do I Make A Football Lineup?
Pick the match size and formation, type in your players’ names and shirt numbers, choose a captain and press Show My Lineup. You can then drag players and download the lineup as an image or PDF.
Is The Lineup Builder Free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no sign-up and works on phones, tablets and computers.
Can I Move Players On The Pitch?
Yes. Drag any player with your mouse or finger. The new positions are saved for that formation, and you can reset them at any time.
Which Formations Can I Use?
12 formations for 11-a-side, including 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2, plus 4 formations for 7-a-side and 4 for 5-a-side.
Can I Add Substitutes?
Yes. Add up to 12 substitutes, one per line, for example 12 Liam Scott. They appear under the pitch, in the side list and on the PDF.
What Is The Best Formation In Football?
There is no single best formation. 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 are very common today, while 4-4-2 is simple and balanced. The best one suits your players.
How Do I Share My Lineup?
Download the PNG image and send it in your team chat, print the PDF team sheet, or copy the lineup as text.
Does It Work For Youth Football?
Yes. Choose 7-a-side or 5-a-side to get smaller formations that suit youth and small-sided games.
Is My Lineup Saved?
Your lineup is saved only in your own browser. Nothing is sent to GlobeHour.
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Ready To Pick Your Starting 11?
Choose a formation, add your players and share your lineup in minutes.
Open The Lineup Builder
