A grassroots football coaching publication

9v9 · Issue 02 · Chapter 2 · Principle two of four

Ball side wide, far side in

Give width near the ball; the far midfielder comes inside to help. Support the player in possession without crowding their space.

Fig. 2 · Ball side wide, far side in9v9 · 3-3-2
Example: 7 offers width while the far midfielder 11 starts wider.Our 7 is wide on the right with the ball. 8 offers a central connection and 11 waits on the far side, with forwards 9 and 10 ahead.3521187910WIDTH

Example: 7 offers width while the far midfielder 11 starts wider.

Example: as 7 keeps width on the right, 11 moves into a narrower position to support 8.The ball remains with right midfielder 7. The far midfielder 11 moves from the left wing towards a central support position without standing on top of 8.113521187910SUPPORT

Example: as 7 keeps width on the right, 11 moves into a narrower position to support 8.

Consider: 11 may remain wider if a switch of play is useful. The correct decision depends on pressure and space.An alternative attacking picture has 11 remain outside on the far left while the ball is on the right, illustrating that coming inside is a decision rather than a fixed rule.3521187910SWITCH?

Consider: 11 may remain wider if a switch of play is useful. The correct decision depends on pressure and space.

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

Say it on the touchline

Stay wide or tuck in?

If a switch of play is on, the far player may need to remain wider.

✓ 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 7 or 11 offering a useful wide pass?
  2. Can 8 connect play without becoming isolated?
  3. Does the far midfielder need to come inside, or stay available for a switch?

Positions that use this rule

  1. 8Central midfielderConnect both ends
  2. 11 · 7Wide midfieldersWidth and hard work