Step by step
- Two compact lines near our box. Their winger has it, so the whole block slides to that side.
- Shifted across: the ball side is crowded, the far side is left. Nothing goes through the middle.
- They switch it back, so we slide back together. Stay tight and make them go round us.
When to use it
When protecting a lead, against a stronger team, or when your players are tired. It gives away territory, so you need a plan for breaking out when you win it.
Coaching points
- Two lines close together, with no big gaps between players or between the lines.
- Shift as a group towards the ball. The far side can be left open because a long switch takes time.
- Protect the middle first. Let them have the ball wide and deal with crosses.
- One or two players stay higher, ready to break when the ball is won.
With younger players
Don't make young teams defend deep for whole games: they won't learn to press or play. Use it as a short spell, and teach the idea of moving across together.