Knowledge and understanding - Physical factorsPrinciples of play

Width

Width is the ability to use the full space across a playing surface by having a spread of players in that area. It relates to the space between players across that pitch or court.

Positive impact

In basketball, a team with good width will be able to pass out wide to both sides and draw opponents out to the ball. This leaves the spaces in the important area of the court, the key. This will give the attackers a better chance of a scoring opportunity.

A rugby team playing with wingers who are disciplined to stay out near the side line will be able to make the opponents think about how to defend that. Opponents will have to match up as much as possible with these wide players, which leaves much more space for attacking runs.

Negative impact

A hockey team which does not keep good width in attack will become much more bunched up in the centre of the pitch. This makes it much easier for the opponents to defend and more difficult to make successful passes in such tight spaces, meaning more losses of possession.