Full-back one week, wing-back the next – what should actually change?

The biggest difference is not simply starting five yards higher. It is how much responsibility you have for the whole outside lane. As a full-back in a back four, your starting reference is usually the back line and protecting the space beside your centre-back. As a wing-back, you often have more licence to give width earlier because there are three central defenders providing cover behind you. Out of possession, the wing-back still has to recognise when to drop and make a back five, but the trigger may come later because the outside centre-back can initially protect the channel. In possession, you may also be the team's main source of width rather than supporting a winger ahead of you. Ask the coach what the shape should look like when the ball is on the opposite side. That picture often makes the role difference much clearer than simply being told to play higher.