A grassroots football coaching publication

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

Width with cover

Wing-backs go when someone can protect behind. Width can help our attack, but it changes the space we must defend.

Fig. 2 · Width with cover9v9 · 2-2-3-1
Starting picture: wing-back 2 provides a wide option with central defenders behind.Wing-backs 2 and 3 start in wide positions ahead of defenders 4 and 5; midfield 6 remains central with 8 and 11 nearby.GK453211689WIDE OPTION

Starting picture: wing-back 2 provides a wide option with central defenders behind.

Example: right wing-back 2 advances wide while the team must decide who covers behind.Wing-back 2 moves up the right side, leaving a channel behind; 5 and 8 may need to consider the danger, but the covering pattern is not yet agreed.2GK453211689WHO COVERS?

Example: right wing-back 2 advances wide while the team must decide who covers behind.

Example: after a turnover, the space behind 2 becomes the next defensive decision.An opponent has the ball on our right while our right wing-back 2 is still high; the team must choose which player delays and which protects the channel.GK453211689CHANNEL

Example: after a turnover, the space behind 2 becomes the next defensive decision.

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

Say it on the touchline

If I go, who covers?

The covering pattern depends on where the ball, defenders and midfielders are.

✓ 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. Is the advancing wing-back offering a useful wide option?
  2. Which teammate recognises the space left behind?
  3. Is the distance to recover realistic for this group?

Positions that use this rule

  1. 4 · 5Central defendersProtect each other
  2. 3 · 2Wing-backsTwo jobs, one decision
  3. 6Central midfielderOur connection and protection