Battling for a single square

[I posted this in a different topic, but it may be more appropriate here]

I'm learning that many middlegames (or perhaps the vast majority of them) have key moments when both players are fighting for control over a particular central square.  

QUESTION:

Is there any source material on this topic that can give me insight into things like:

- what dictates for the players, which square will be fought for...whether it be one which a player's pawn currently occupies, or one which neither player occupies but both are attacking?  

- and, what's to stop one player from deciding he doesn't want to fight for that particular square and decides to fight for another instead? 

Please advise if there are any books, lectures, or other sources which specifically cover this aspect of the game?

Thank You!

Hope this helps

https://www.ichess.net/blog/understanding-critical-squares/

This is excellent. Thank you!