A grassroots football coaching publication

9v9 · Issue 02 · Chapter 3 · Position three of six

Outside defenders

Defend, support, cover

3 · 2 · Outside defenders9v9 · 3-3-2
Starting positions for outside defenders in a 3-3-2. Positions are a starting point, not fixed instructions.Nine-player 3-3-2 starting shape, highlighting 3 and 2 as outside defenders; the team attacks upwards.GK3521187910ROLE 3ROLE 2

Starting positions for outside defenders in a 3-3-2. Positions are a starting point, not fixed instructions.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Starting positions are not fixed.
Key
  • Us
  • Key space

Ask yourself

Am I pressing or covering?
✓ 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.

Your jobs

  1. Recognise when to challenge a wide opponent and when to protect the centre.
  2. Support teammates in possession without both leaving the defence exposed.
  3. Work with 5 and the nearby midfielder to share pressure and cover.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 1Middle firstPress or cover?
  2. Principle 4Go together, recover togetherAre teammates close enough to help?