[sterlingice]

In grade school, we used to play a 3-3-1-2-1. It worked nicely, particularly if you have players who aren't really used to defined roles- it makes the tactics easier on players. Basically, 3 forwards and 3 mids but then roughly a diamond on defense. Basically, there was what our coach called a "stopper" who was essentially a defensive midfielder who could be aggressive and help on the attack, getting up past midfield when the ball was in the other team's offensive zone- he was first to attack a ball coming up the middle. Then there were two wing defenders behind him to either help out if beat, cover advancing wings without the ball, or isolate ball carriers who were coming up the side. Lastly, there was a "sweeper" who was the last line of defense, usually the strongest defender, as a last resort who cleaned up what wasn't already taken care of.

That way there's a definite role for each, rather than "clump near the ball". It takes a little getting used to the aggressiveness levels of each of the respective defenders but it allows for a lot more flexibility and better tactics than just "you cover this area". It allows that stopper to help out on the midfield (needs tons of stamina) but leaves help back behind if he is over aggressive.

To apply this to your team, I'd just think 2-3-1-2-1 just get rid of the extra forward. Then again, a lot of the tactics so far have addressed how to stop goals and if you don't have any attackers worth much, you may need 3 strikers up front. In which case, you'd run a 3rd forward and only 2 midfielders, with the stopper playing back and front as a 3rd defensive midfielder.

----Sw----
--D----D--
----St-----
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-M--M--M-
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--F--F--F--

SI