A grassroots football coaching publication

9v9 · Issue 03 · Chapter 3 · Position two of six

Central defenders

Protect each other

4 · 5 · Central defenders9v9 · 2-2-3-1
Starting positions for central defenders in a 2-2-3-1. Positions are starting points, not fixed instructions.Nine-player 2-2-3-1 starting formation, highlighting 4 and 5 as central defenders, with our team attacking upwards.GK453211689ROLE 4ROLE 5

Starting positions for central defenders in a 2-2-3-1. Positions are starting points, not fixed instructions.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Starting positions are not fixed.
Key
  • Us
  • Key space

Ask yourself

Am I the pressure or the cover?
✓ Coaching reviewed · 20 October 2026

Written by Niall Walsh, grassroots football coach and founder of How We Play. Coaching reviewed by David Wilson on 20 October 2026.

Your jobs

  1. Stay aware of your partner when deciding whether to challenge.
  2. Recognise opponents threatening the space behind the wing-backs.
  3. Help protect the central route when possession changes.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 1Two stay connectedAm I close enough to help?
  2. Principle 2Width with coverIf I go, who covers?
  3. Principle 3Someone protects the middleWho is stopping the pass through?