Mid block: compact in the middle third

Step by step

1. They have it at the back. We stay compact around halfway; the striker blocks the pass into midfield.
2. Ball goes wide: that's our trigger. Press it, and the next player covers the inside pass.
3. Two against the ball, everyone else tight behind. Win it in the middle third.

When to use it

It's a sensible default for most grassroots teams: it saves energy compared with a full press and keeps the opponent away from your goal.

Coaching points

• The striker blocks the pass into their midfield rather than chasing the defenders.
• Stay narrow and close together around halfway.
• Press on a trigger: the ball going wide, a pass into midfield, or a poor touch.
• When the press goes, the nearest players support so it's two against the ball, not one.

With younger players

Mark a line across the pitch with cones and call it "our line". When they have the ball, we get back to our line together, then go when it comes to us.