A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 02 · Chapter 3 · Position three of five

Outside defenders

Defend your side. Know when to join in.

3 · 2 · Outside defenders7v7 · 3-2-1
If the ball and cover are right, an outside defender can step forward into space.Our right outside defender 2 steps forward along the touchline to offer width while the centre-back and left defender remain behind as cover.2GK3521179WIDE

If the ball and cover are right, an outside defender can step forward into space.

If your teammate has stepped forward, help the centre-back defend the space behind.Left outside defender 3 shifts inside slightly while right defender 2 is ahead and centre-back 5 protects the middle, keeping two players behind the ball.3GK3521179PROTECT

If your teammate has stepped forward, help the centre-back defend the space behind.

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

Ask yourself

Should I go, or am I the cover?
✓ 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. Give our goalkeeper and centre-back a passing angle rather than hiding behind an opponent.
  2. Look for a chance to support the team in wide space when our cover is ready.
  3. When the other outside defender goes forward, recover towards the centre-back to help protect the goal.
  4. Don't both chase forward at once; respond to the ball and your teammates.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 1Use the back threeCan our keeper see a pass?
  2. Principle 2One goes, two protectOne goes. Where are the other two?