What Role Does Width Play in Unlocking Defenses?

If penetration is about breaking through, width is about pulling apart. It's about stretching the opposition to create space in central areas, opening lanes for passes, runs, and ultimately, decision-making.

So why shift the focus to width now? Because in the modern game, defenders are becoming more compact and central blocks harder to break. With so much attention on playing through the lines, there’s growing tactical value in how a team stretches the field. Wingers who hug the touchline, fullbacks who overlap, or midfielders who drift wide—all of these movements force defenders to cover more ground, and when done right, they create the conditions for central penetration to flourish.

Just like with penetration, width isn’t just about positioning—it’s about timing, recognition, and execution.