5-a-Side Lineup Builder
Build your 5-a-side lineup with the tool above: choose a formation, drop your players on the pitch and give them names. In a few seconds you have a team sheet you can download as an image and share before the match. It is free, works on your phone and does not ask you to sign up.
Why a 5-a-side lineup needs a plan
Five-a-side is fast and unforgiving. With only four outfield players, one person out of position leaves a hole the other team will find within seconds. Writing the shape down before kick-off, even for a Tuesday night league game, stops the usual argument about who is going in goal and who is supposed to stay back.
5-a-side formations in the builder
- 2-1-1: the default for most teams. Two defenders, a midfielder who links play and a striker who stays high. Solid and easy to explain.
- 1-2-1 (diamond): one defender, two wide players and a striker. You control the middle of the pitch but the lone defender needs to be your calmest player.
- 2-2 (box): two back, two forward, no fixed midfielder. Good when your players like to rotate and nobody wants to be stuck up front alone.
- 1-1-2 and 3-1: for chasing a game or protecting a lead. Both are in the tool if you need them.
Roles in a five-a-side team
The goalkeeper in 5-a-side is often the best sweeper on the pitch, so pick someone who is happy to come off the line. Your defenders need to pass out from the back rather than just clear; the pivot in a 2-1-1 does the running in both directions; the striker holds the ball up and finishes. Rotate the roles at half-time if legs are going, and update the sheet in the builder so everyone knows the new shape.
Tips for setting up your lineup
Keep it simple. Pick the formation your players already understand, put your most reliable defender at the back and your fittest player in the middle. Decide who takes kick-ins and corners before the game. Once the lineup is done, download it and post it in the group chat, or embed it on your league page.
Play a bigger format? Try the 7-a-side lineup builder or build a full eleven with the football lineup builder. For more on small-sided shapes, read our amateur team formation guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a 5-a-side lineup?
Use the builder above: pick a five-a-side formation such as 2-1-1 or 1-2-1, drag your players into position and type their names. Then download the lineup as an image and send it to the group chat. It is free and needs no account.
What is the best formation for 5-a-side?
The 2-1-1 is the most common five-a-side shape: two at the back, one in the middle and one up top. The 1-2-1 (the diamond) gives you more control in midfield, while a 2-2 works when nobody wants to play as the lone striker. All three are in the builder.
Does the 5-a-side lineup builder include the goalkeeper?
Yes. Every five-a-side formation in the tool is four outfield players plus a goalkeeper, which is how the format is played in the UK, Ireland and most futsal leagues.
Can I switch to 6-a-side or 7-a-side?
Yes. Change the player count in the builder to 6, 7, 8, 9 or 11 and the formation list updates. There is also a separate 7-a-side lineup builder if that is your usual format.
Is the 5-a-side lineup builder free?
Yes. Building, downloading and sharing your five-a-side lineup is completely free, with no registration.
