Defensive Shape — Passive Shadow

Defending unit of 8 (back four plus midfield four) holds shape while attacking unit of 8 passes at walking pace. Defenders track the ball and shuffle — no tackling. Coach calls 'press' and defending unit squeezes together; coach calls 'drop' and they hold mid-block line.

• Hugo: stay connected to Peter — the gap between the CBs is where they'll play through us
• Midfield line: stay narrow centrally, don't chase the ball wide until the back four is compact
• When we press, the trigger is clear — one person goes, everyone moves with them

• Attacking unit can now play at match pace — defending unit must react in real time
• Add a striker for the attacking unit to make shape decisions harder for the CBs