Tactics / Defending

Move as a block

Without the ball, the team keeps its shape and slides across the pitch together, like one unit, staying close to the ball.

Out of possessionFrom 11v11Match moment: They switch it

SAME SHAPE, MOVEDFAR SIDEGK345211867910
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Short distances between players mean no gaps to pass through. The far side is left empty, because the ball can't get there quickly.

What players do

  • About 10 to 15 m between the back line and the midfield line.
  • Everyone slides towards the ball when it moves.
  • If the ball goes backwards, the whole block steps up together.

Common mistakes

  • Defenders drop too deep while midfielders stay high, opening a gap between the lines.
  • Players on the far side not sliding across.
  • Stepping up at different times, which plays attackers onside.

With young players

From 11v11. With younger players, focus on getting goal-side of the ball first.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: The counter-attack

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Push up with the block, to sweep behind it.
    • Push up to about 20 metres behind the back line.
    • Talk the line across: "slide left!"

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Slide with the ball and step up together.
    • Slide across together when the ball goes wide.
    • Keep about 10 metres between each defender.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Stay 10 to 15 m in front of the defence.
    • Stay narrow: no gaps between midfielders.
    • Move up when the ball goes back, down when it goes forward.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Block the pass into their midfield.
    • Stand in front of their holding midfielder.
    • Press only when the whole team is ready.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.