A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 01 · Chapter 3 · Position three of five

Central midfielder

Connect the team

8 · Central midfielder7v7 · 2-3-1
Move into space where a teammate can see and pass to you.The central midfielder 8 offers a position ahead of the two defenders with wide teammates on both sides and the striker further forward.GK3211879PASSING OPTION

Move into space where a teammate can see and pass to you.

Help protect the middle and support the nearest defender.Number 8 is central between an opposition attacker and our goalkeeper while two defenders hold their positions behind.8GK328MIDDLE

Help protect the middle and support the nearest defender.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Starting positions are not fixed.
Key
  • Us
  • Ball
  • Pass
  • Them
  • Run
  • Started here
  • Key space

Ask yourself

Can I help the player on the ball?
✓ 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.

Your jobs

  1. Make yourself available for a pass between the defenders and striker.
  2. Look for the wide players when they have room.
  3. When we lose the ball, protect the space in front of our defenders.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 1Give two optionsCan our keeper see two choices?
  2. Principle 2Big with it, small without itBall ours? Wide. Ball theirs? Closer.
  3. Principle 4Lose it, find homeWho slows them? Where do I help?