A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 02 · Chapter 2 · Principle one of four

Use the back three

Give the goalkeeper clear choices instead of three players in one line. A centre-back and two outside defenders help create different passing angles when the ball starts with our goalkeeper.

Fig. 1 · Use the back three7v7 · 3-2-1
When the three defenders crowd the same channel, our goalkeeper sees fewer clear passing options.The goalkeeper has possession. The left defender, central defender and right defender are close together in a narrow line. The picture is crowded; three players do not automatically mean three useful passing options.GK3521179SPACESPACE

✕ WrongWhen the three defenders crowd the same channel, our goalkeeper sees fewer clear passing options.

3 and 2 find passing angles outside, while 5 offers support through the middle. Pick a safe pass.The goalkeeper has the ball and sees defenders 3 and 2 wider than before while centre-back 5 is available between them. The arrows represent possible passes only; they do not require playing short under pressure.32GK3521179OPTIONOPTION

3 and 2 find passing angles outside, while 5 offers support through the middle. Pick a safe pass.

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

Say it on the touchline

Can our keeper see a pass?

Three players is not automatically three options. Do not force a risky short pass.

✓ 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 goalkeeper looks at the picture before choosing a pass.
  2. The outside defenders find space that the goalkeeper can see; the centre-back stays available as a middle option.
  3. If short passes are blocked, the team does not have to force them.

Positions that use this rule

  1. GKGoalkeeperLook first. Give us a start.
  2. 5Centre-backConnect and protect
  3. 3 · 2Outside defendersDefend your side. Know when to join in.