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U.S. Soccer writes its main formation as 1-4-3-3. What does the first 1 stand for?

The first 1 is the goalkeeper, then 4 backs, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards.

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  1. The captain
  2. The goalkeeper ✔
  3. One striker

Why: Formation numbers run from back to front. U.S. Soccer puts the goalkeeper first, so 1-4-3-3 means 1 goalkeeper, 4 backs, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards.

Huh, didn't know that: For 7v7 games, U.S. Soccer introduces a smaller shape written as 1-3-2-1.

The dad joke
Why was the 1-4-3-3 so organized? Everyone knew their number.
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References

Answer: The goalkeeper. Formation numbers run from back to front. U.S. Soccer puts the goalkeeper first, so 1-4-3-3 means 1 goalkeeper, 4 backs, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards.

  1. U.S. Soccer, System of Play: Position Numbers and Player Profiles (1-4-3-3) PDF backend.apfa.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/US_Soccer_Position_Numbers_and_Profiles.pdf
    Playing System
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. U.S. Soccer, System of Play: Position Numbers and Player Profiles (1-4-3-3) PDF backend.apfa.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/US_Soccer_Position_Numbers_and_Profiles.pdf
    3 Midfielders
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. U.S. Soccer, System of Play: Position Numbers and Player Profiles (1-4-3-3) PDF backend.apfa.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/US_Soccer_Position_Numbers_and_Profiles.pdf
    1 Goalkeeper
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  4. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U13 to U14 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u13-u14
    Introduce formations for 11v11: 1-4-3-3
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  5. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U9 to U10 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u9-u10
    Introduce formations for 7v7: 1-3-2-1
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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