Midfield Three Screen & Shield

Defending space as a unit — three midfielders deny central penetration through position, not tackles.

35x30 area with a marked central zone (10x10). Possession team of six around the outside plus two inside the central zone; a midfield three defends the zone.

1. Outside players circulate and try to pass into the two targets inside the central zone.
2. The midfield three shift, screen and intercept — a screened or intercepted pass scores for them.
3. Each completed pass into a target's feet scores for the possession team.
4. Three-minute spells; rotate the midfield trio.

• Shift as the ball travels — arrive as it arrives.
• Stay connected: 8-10 yards apart maximum, one line of three.
• Screen first, intercept second, tackle last.
• The nearest midfielder angles their body to show play wide, never through.

• The three chase the ball and split apart — the unit defends the zone, not the ball.
• One midfielder presses out alone and the lane behind them opens — move together or not at all.
• They watch the ball and lose the targets drifting behind them — constant glances over the shoulder.

• Add a third target inside.
• Allow the possession team to combine with targets and play out — now the three must press the return.
• Shrink the outside area to speed circulation.

• One target inside.
• Slow the circulation: three-touch minimum outside.
• Widen the gaps the three must protect.

• Midfield three may not enter the central zone — they defend it from outside.