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Lesson 2 of 5 · 4 min

Setting the Defensive Line

A back line's height decides almost everything about how a team defends, and how much risk it's willing to take.

High Line vs. Deep Block

A high line squeezes the pitch and traps opponents offside, but leaves space in behind for a fast attacker to exploit. A deep block protects that space but concedes territory and invites pressure.

Primarily active in the middle third, central area of the pitch.

The Space Behind a High Line

This is exactly the space a high defensive line is gambling with: empty until an attacker's run threatens to reach it before a defender can recover.

Primarily active in the attacking third, central area of the pitch.

The Offside Trap

Pushing up together at the right moment can catch an attacker offside before the pass even arrives. It only works if every defender in the line moves as one. A single defender stepping late undoes it for everyone.

Try it

Next time you watch a match with a high defensive line, look for the moment the back four steps up together. That's the offside trap being set.

Quick check

What can break an offside trap even if the timing is otherwise perfect?

Key takeaways