Ball in our DM's feet. You stand level with the CBs, splitting them — you're the reason they can't step up.
Eva
Teammate
Opponent
Ball
Eva's run
Pass
Build-up / midfield
Start
Highest player, level with the centre-backs, roughly between them. Onside, not on top of them.
Scan cue
Which centre-back is closer to you? Does she step when you drop, or hold the line?
Action
Pin the line first. If a CB won't follow you, drift into the pocket in front of her — only when a midfielder can find you facing forward.
Why
Holding height keeps both CBs deep, which gives your midfielders room. Dropping at the right moment drags a CB out or gives you a free turn.
Common error
Dropping deep every time the ball is in your half. You end up in the midfielders' space and the back line gets to step up for free.
Note · Diagrams are illustrative. Real positions shift with the ball, your teammates and the opponent. Your coach's instructions override anything here.