Tactics / Defending

The mid block

Let their defenders have the ball, wait in a compact shape around halfway, then press as soon as the ball comes into our half.

Out of possessionFrom 11v11

PRESS FROM HERE910118673452
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

It is the balance between pressing high and defending deep: hard to play through, not too tiring, and when we win it we are only 40 m from their goal.

What players do

  • Forwards stand around halfway and block passes into midfield.
  • The press starts when the ball crosses a line we agree, usually halfway.
  • Back line about 10 to 15 m behind the midfield.
  • When the press starts, everyone moves together towards the ball.

Common mistakes

  • Forwards pressing on their own in the other half.
  • Back line dropping deeper than the midfield expects.
  • Nobody starting the press when the ball crosses the line.

With young players

A good default shape for 11v11 teams. The line where the press starts is easy to understand.

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: Step up together

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
    • Stand on the edge of your box, ready for balls over the top.
    • Organise the back line height.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Hold the line 10 to 15 m behind midfield, and step up when the ball goes back.
    • Hold a line about 15 metres behind midfield.
    • Step up together whenever the ball goes backwards.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Hold the line around halfway; press together on the signal.
    • Wait around halfway in a narrow line.
    • Press together the moment the ball crosses into our half.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Wait around halfway; block passes into their midfield.
    • Let their centre-backs have the ball.
    • Stand in the passing line to their holding midfielder.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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