Mid-block

How it is used

Use defend in a mid-block; the block can shift with the ball without becoming a fixed line.

Example sentences

1. Their mid-block denied central passes while allowing us to pass at the back.

   The team protects midfield access rather than chasing every deep pass.

2. We dropped into a mid-block after our early pressing became ineffective.

   The change moves the coordinated defensive work to a deeper zone.

Common collocations

• defend in a mid-block
• compact mid-block
• break a mid-block

Related terms

• pressingA tactic in which players close down opponents quickly to win the ball back, often high up the pitch near the opponents' goal.
• high lineA defensive set-up in which the back line stays far up the pitch, keeping the team compact and catching attackers offside, but leaving space behind.

More terms: Formations & Tactics

• formation
• line-up
• counter-attack
• possession
• marking
• offside trap
• park the bus
• double pivot
• half-space
• rest defence
• cover shadow
• pressing trap