A grassroots football coaching publication

9v9 · Issue 03 · Chapter 2 · Principle three of four

Someone protects the middle

Don't leave the route to our goal open. A player must notice central danger when teammates support near the ball.

Fig. 3 · Someone protects the middle9v9 · 2-2-3-1
Example: the central midfielder follows the ball towards the right while a central route may be exposed.With play towards our right, midfielder 6 has drifted towards the wing-back and an opponent can threaten space between our midfield and the two central defenders.GK453211689CENTRAL ROUTE

Example: the central midfielder follows the ball towards the right while a central route may be exposed.

Example: 6 notices the central route and maintains a protective position.As the right wing-back remains high, midfielder 6 stays more central with the two defenders behind; this illustrates an option to protect the direct route to goal.GK453211689MIDDLE PROTECTED

Example: 6 notices the central route and maintains a protective position.

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

Say it on the touchline

Who is stopping the pass through?

This is a shared team decision, not a permanent instruction for 6 to stay back.

✓ 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.

What to look for

  1. Do we recognise when the central route is open?
  2. Can 6 connect play while noticing defensive cover?
  3. Are the other midfielders helping rather than crowding the same area?

Positions that use this rule

  1. GKGoalkeeperSee danger early
  2. 4 · 5Central defendersProtect each other
  3. 6Central midfielderOur connection and protection
  4. 11 · 8Interior midfieldersMake angles, not crowds