A grassroots football coaching publication

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

One presses, one covers

When one defender meets the ball, the other protects the danger behind. Two defenders work as a pair, not both chasing the same opponent.

Fig. 3 · One presses, one covers7v7 · 2-3-1
Both defenders chase the same player. Space opens behind them.Two defenders have moved across to challenge the opposition player near our left touchline. A grey central gap opens in front of goal. This is a risk, not a movement to teach.GK3281179GAP

✕ WrongBoth defenders chase the same player. Space opens behind them.

3 can meet the ball. 2 protects the space behind, and 8 helps in the middle.An opposition player carries the ball on our left. Defender 3 goes to meet them, defender 2 stays more central and deeper, and 8 offers cover ahead. Only the nearest defender is closing down.32GK3281179COVER

✓ Right3 can meet the ball. 2 protects the space behind, and 8 helps in the middle.

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

Say it on the touchline

If your mate goes, where do you cover?

Don't leave your partner defending the goal alone.

✓ 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. The closest defender chooses whether to meet the ball.
  2. The other defender protects the route towards goal.
  3. Our central midfielder helps close the space ahead rather than abandoning the centre.

Positions that use this rule

  1. 3 · 2The two defendersGive options. Protect together.