A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 01 · Chapter 2 · Principle two of four

Big with it, small without it

Use the width when we attack; get closer when we defend. 11 and 7 stretch the pitch in possession and recover inside without it.

Fig. 2 · Big with it, small without it7v7 · 2-3-1
11 and 7 stretch the pitch. 8 offers a central passing option, with 9 ahead.In possession: the two wide midfielders stand closer to the touchlines, the central midfielder is available in the middle and the striker gives the team depth.GK3211879WIDTHWIDTH

11 and 7 stretch the pitch. 8 offers a central passing option, with 9 ahead.

11 and 7 recover inside to help 8 protect the middle. The team stays connected.Out of possession: 11 has moved in from the left touchline and 7 from the right, closer to number 8 in the centre. The two defenders remain behind them and the striker remains available higher up.1178GK3211879TOGETHER

11 and 7 recover inside to help 8 protect the middle. The team stays connected.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Pictures show ideas, not fixed moves.
Key
  • Us
  • Ball
  • Key space
  • Them
  • Run
  • Started here

Say it on the touchline

Ball ours? Wide. Ball theirs? Closer.

Starting positions help us; they're not painted lines on the pitch.

✓ Coaching reviewed · 22 October 2026

Written by Niall Walsh, grassroots football coach and founder of How We Play. Coaching reviewed by David Wilson on 22 October 2026.

What to look for

  1. When we have the ball, the wide midfielders give their teammates room and an outside pass.
  2. When the opposition have it, the wide midfielders move closer to 8 and help protect the middle.
  3. The whole team responds to the ball; wide players aren't trapped in channels.

Positions that use this rule

  1. 8Central midfielderConnect the team
  2. 11 · 7Wide midfieldersWide with it. Closer without.
  3. 9StrikerGive us somewhere to play