Fig. 4 · Show them wide, then go9v9 · 3-1-3-1
9 curves the run. The pass across or through the middle gets hard. The pass wide looks easy.An opponent defender has the ball. Our 9 steps across from in front of another opponent to block the pass across the pitch, shown by a cross, so the easy pass is out wide into a shaded key space by the touchline. 10, 11, 7 and 6 hold their positions behind.99101176TOUCHLINE

9 curves the run. The pass across or through the middle gets hard. The pass wide looks easy.

9v9 · 3-1-3-1 · Rule 4 of 4

Show them wide, then go

We don't need to chase the ball everywhere.

Protect the middle, guide them to the touchline, then press together.

✓ Coaching reviewed · 19 October 2026

Say it on the touchline

The touchline helps us defend.

Go means the nearest players press together. It doesn't mean everyone charges at the ball.

What to look for
  1. Show them wide: 9 curves the run. The pass across or through the middle gets hard; the pass wide looks easy.
  2. Go: 7 presses, 10 blocks the pass inside, 9 blocks the pass back, 6 protects behind. Everyone shifts across.

Redrawn from the source playbook, pp. 2 and 6. Pictures show ideas, not fixed moves.

Positions that use this rule
6The screenProtect. Connect.711Wide playersWide when it's ours. Narrow when it isn't.10Number 10Find the space9StrikerGive us somewhere to play