One situation in 3v3 commonly occurs and illustrates how poor shape effects other players, making their own tasks much more difficult.

In the diagram at right the blue team is in possession and bringing the ball out from their own goal. The orange team has adopted the shape of a triangle, however, the number 8 has dropped back deep to protect his goal, in effect becoming a sweeper behind number's 3 & 9. This means that the blue number 2 is unmarked and can either directly attack the orange number 8 by carrying the ball between the 3 & 9 or combine with either the blue number 4 or 7, creating a 2v1 against the orange defender. If the blue number 2 carries the attack directly to the orange number 8, then the numbers 3 and 9 must make a decision. "Do I leave my opponent and deal with number 2, or stay and let him go past me?" This problem is compounded because both players are thinking the same thing. If they react to number 2's dribble, they let their player go who can then find open space to receive a pass. If they stay, this creates a 1v1 directly in front of their own goal. Or the blue number 2 can elect to move towards one of his teammates creating a 2v1. Either way, the blue team has an advantage, and the initiative, because the orange number 8 has elected to defend from a deep position. This puts an added burden onto his teammates.

In this diagram the orange team is still in a triangle but the number 8 has moved up to directly confront the blue number 2. This gives the number 2 an immediate problem as he tries to bring the ball out. If he takes on the number 8 and loses then it's likely to cost the blue team a goal so it's much harder for the him to carry the ball. Also, since he now has an immediate opponent this makes it much more difficult for the blue team to create a 2v1. Furthermore, by positioning slightly to the side, the number 8 has made the passing angle between the number 2 and 7 much more difficult. This frees up the orange 3 who can move closer to the center of the field covering the space behind the number 8.

The difference in these two situations highlights not only how bad shape can make effective team play more difficult, but also how important effective communication is. Young players might hear "3 players need to be in a triangle. When the opponents have the ball you have to protect your goal" and then conclude that the situation in the first diagram is reasonable. They can play like this for quite a while, simply passing the blame for mistakes by addressing the problem from the narrow and vague instructions. Correct coaching can help by pointing out the differences in both situations.

Midfielder is too far forward.

Striker is too far back.

Sweeper is too far back.

Midfielder is too close and at a poor angle.

3v3 bad shape

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