Drill Library
Defending

Defensive Shape Walk-Through — Compact Mid-Block

Coach walks 7 defenders through a 4-3 mid-block shape versus 7 attackers

Theme

Defending

Duration

20 min

Players (min–rec–max)

14–14–14

Equipment

cones, bibs, balls

Set-up

Coach walks 7 defenders through a 4-3 mid-block shape versus 7 attackers. Attackers move the ball slowly; defenders shift as a unit. No live pressing yet — this is positional understanding only. Freeze and correct frequently.

Coaching points

  • Defensive line moves together — one player jumping out kills the shape.
  • Stay tight enough to cover the central lane; wide players force them wide, don't chase.
  • CDM holds the gap between the lines — that space is where goals come from.

Progressions

  • Allow attackers to play at 50% pace with live pressing triggered by a coach call.
  • Introduce a press trigger — back pass or heavy touch signals the front line to press.