A grassroots football coaching publication

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

Wide midfielders

Width and hard work

11 · 7 · Wide midfielders9v9 · 3-3-2
Starting positions for wide midfielders in a 3-3-2. Positions are a starting point, not fixed instructions.Nine-player 3-3-2 starting shape, highlighting 11 and 7 as wide midfielders; the team attacks upwards.GK3521187910ROLE 11ROLE 7

Starting positions for wide midfielders 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

Should I be wide or inside right now?
✓ 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. Offer width when your team needs an outside passing option.
  2. When the ball is on the far side, consider whether coming inside would help your team.
  3. Recover to support the defence when possession changes.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 2Ball side wide, far side inStay wide or tuck in?
  2. Principle 4Go together, recover togetherAre teammates close enough to help?