The most balanced is a 4-4-2. This gives you plenty of protection on defense & midfield, while still having 2 men as forwards. It also gives you the option of designating one of your midfielders as either an offensive or defensive player, depending on which one is called for during the game. My team runs this formation in 2 varieties: straight line or diamond.
Straight Line: Both your midfielders and defenders are positioned in a straight line across the field (though sometimes the players on the wings are positioned up a few feet) Diamond: Midfielders and defenders are in a diamond formation
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3-1-2-2 + Goal Keeper
3 defenders, make them move forward, 1 defensive midfielder, 2 wings (attacking midfielders), and 2 Center forward
*use the " attack to defend strategy"
* make sure the wingers are fast and skill full
* put the biggest man as the defense midfielder
* let the defense midfielder move to attacking (offense) while his team gets a corner or a foul
Answer
Truth is there is no Panacea when it comes to selecting which formation to set your team up with. You first have to assess what type/age/maturity/intelligence your players are.
I find for simplicity especially if you are working with U9-U12, you may want to stick with a GK+3-3-2 and do away with the aforementioned Defensive Midfielder as this will often confuse younger players playing this role with your Center forward. Keep your two forwards high and far out on their wings allowing your Left and Right Midfielders the ability to play down the wings to your forwards or to play inside to your Center Mid. This also creates more room on the field for your team.
If you have a "slower of foot" team, you may want to consider a 4-3-1 as this will keep your defensive zone covered and you won't get caught, but also anticipate a lower scoring/tighter game.
It's a diamond 1-2-1 formation with one of the midfieldiers in a holding role. In 5 a side it is important to have a solid defence.
You probably would want to go with...
ONE STRIKER
LEFT MID
RIGHT MID
CENTER MID/STOPPER
LEFT BACK
RIGHT BACK
SWEEPER
GOALIE