Fig. 2 · One goes, one stays9v9 · 3-1-3-1
2 goes. 3, 5 and 6 protect us.Our 7 has the ball on the right. Our 2 runs forward to support. 3 tucks in towards 5, and 3, 5 and 6 form a shaded protective block in the middle.23726353 + 5 + 6
✓ Right

2 goes. 3, 5 and 6 protect us.

9v9 · 3-1-3-1 · Rule 2 of 4

One goes, one stays

We can attack without leaving ourselves wide open.

One outside defender can attack. The other stays.

✓ Coaching reviewed · 19 October 2026

Say it on the touchline

If the other defender goes, you stay.

Staying means moving inside a little, next to 5.

What to look for
  1. Ball on the right: 2 goes; 3, 5 and 6 protect us.
  2. Ball on the left: 3 goes; 2, 5 and 6 protect us.
  3. Never both: if both go forward, both sides are open.

Redrawn from the source playbook, pp. 2, 4 and 9. Pictures show ideas, not fixed moves.

Positions that use this rule
5Centre-backKeep us secure23Outside defendersDefend first. Support second.