Tactics
Pushing the defensive line close to the halfway line to compress the pitch and sustain pressure.
A high line shrinks the space opponents can play through, keeps the team compact and helps trap the ball in the attacking half when combined with a press.
It requires centre-backs with speed and good reading of passes, because any ball played behind exposes the defence to a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Offside traps are often used to mitigate this.
High lines pair well with ball-dominant styles. Teams that sit deeper prefer a low block or mid-block.
Discover
False 9
A centre-forward who drops deep into midfield to drag defenders out of position and create space behind.
Gegenpressing
A high-intensity pressing scheme that tries to win the ball back within seconds of losing it, high up the pitch.
Low block
Defending with all 10 outfield players compact inside your own half, inviting pressure to hit on the counter.
Counter-attack
A fast transition from defending to attacking, aimed at exploiting space before the opponent can regroup.
Tiki-taka
A short-passing, positional style that keeps possession and moves the opponent until gaps open.
Inverted winger
A winger who plays on the opposite side of their strong foot to cut inside and shoot.
Start building
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