I'm curious as to others thoughts on optimum 6-a-side formations, and for that of 5-a-side Futsal.

I manage a 6-a-side mens AA team and typcially we form up;

------GK------
----Sweeper----
--MF-------MF--
-----AM--------
--------ST-----

Of course this relies heavily on overlaps of the MF role on one side, with the other prepared to drop quickly snuffing out attack. Often when we are up 2 goals, we flood the AM area with basically one at the back, and we have been recently racking up cricket scores. We have a +14 GD and none against, very similar to last season where we were a division down.

In our work comp, we play mixed - ie. With ladies in the team - at least 2 of 6 playing must be female. And if a lady scores then their goal is worth two. So we typically form up;

------GK------
----DF--DF(F)--
-----CM--------
---MF(F)-------
--------ST-----

This formation is far less succesful in my opinion, but the random element of lady players - who can be quickly pushed off the ball in one-on-ones or marked out of the match means that you often have to change structure quickly.

I'm interested to hear of the formation you usually put out when you play. What works and what doesn't when playing in AA comps?