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In association football, or soccer, the hole is generally referred to as the gap between a team's midfield players and its front strikers, particularly in a 4-4-2 formation resulting in a 4-4-1-1 formation. The gap might be filled through the employment of an attacking midfielder, or a deep lying striker. The player in the hole aims to utilise the gap left between opponent's midfield and defence.

Notable players who occupy (or occupied) the hole include Pelé, Eusébio, Johann Cruyff, Zico, Michel Platini, Diego Maradona, Roberto Baggio, Dennis Bergkamp, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Ronaldinho - most of whom wore the number 10. Hence a player who inherits the role of a playmaker, or who inhabits the hole can often be referred to as a "number 10".

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