A grassroots football coaching publication

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

One comes, one goes

Our two forwards shouldn't make the same run. One forward can offer a pass to feet while the other threatens space.

Fig. 3 · One comes, one goes9v9 · 3-3-2
9 and 10 both stand on the last defensive line. One defender can mark both passing lanes.9 and 10 both stand on the last defensive line, close together. One defender can mark both passing lanes from 8, and nobody threatens the space behind.9108117SAME LINE

✕ Wrong9 and 10 both stand on the last defensive line. One defender can mark both passing lanes.

9 moves towards the ball to receive. 10 threatens the space behind, timing the run to stay onside.9 comes towards the ball to receive a pass to feet from 8. 10 starts on the last line and runs into the space behind, timing the run to stay onside. 8 has two pass lines: to 9, or into the space for 10.99108117SPACE BEHIND

✓ Right9 moves towards the ball to receive. 10 threatens the space behind, timing the run to stay onside.

10 comes short. 9 stays high or moves into a channel.10 comes short towards the ball. 9 stays high and moves into a channel. 8 has a forward pass to 10 and another runner stretching the defence.101098117SPACE BEHIND

✓ Right10 comes short. 9 stays high or moves into a channel.

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

Say it on the touchline

Offer feet or threaten behind?

These roles can reverse. Any run beyond opponents must be timed to stay onside.

✓ 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. Are 9 and 10 offering different passing options?
  2. Is 8 close enough to combine with the forwards?
  3. Can a forward recognise when there is no useful space to run into?

Positions that use this rule

  1. 9 · 10Two forwardsPartners, not passengers