Mid-Block Jump

Teach the team to stay compact in a mid-block without chasing, recognize three pressing triggers, and jump together so the ball is won in the opponent's half.

8v8 plus a keeper on a 60x60 yard area. The defending team sets a 4-3-1 block with its front line on the halfway cone line. The possession team builds from its keeper with a back four and midfield four. A line of cones marks the 'jump line' 15 yards inside the possession team's half.

1. The possession team builds from the keeper. The block holds its shape and shuffles side to side; nobody crosses the jump line until a trigger.
2. Triggers: a heavy touch, a square pass between center backs, or a pass to a fullback who is facing his own goal.
3. On a trigger, the nearest player presses and everyone else steps 10 yards with him. Winning the ball inside the possession half scores 2 points.
4. The possession team scores 1 point for dribbling through either 5-yard end gate.
5. Six-minute halves, then switch roles. Call out the trigger every time you see it, so the players start seeing it too.

• Hold the block: patience is a pressing skill.
• Everyone jumps or nobody jumps.
• Press the receiver on the trigger, not the passer.
• Close the return pass as you step; make it a one-way street.

• One player jumps and the rest hold, so the block is broken; if anyone goes, everyone goes.
• The block sits too deep and the jump is 30 yards; keep the front line on halfway so the press is short.
• Players press the passer after the pass has gone; the target is where the ball is going.

• Remove the jump line and let the players decide the moment.
• Let the possession team add a third center back to make the triggers rarer.
• Score 3 points if the ball is won and a shot follows within 8 seconds.

• Coach calls 'Jump!' aloud for the first round.
• Only one trigger, the square pass, for the whole session.
• Play 6v6 on a smaller area.

• The block may not cross the jump line until a trigger occurs.