High 9 - Mid Block
Note :
- High 9 means there is a player on the 9 line stopping sideways passes.
- Mid block means the block is in the middle of the pitch.
With a 'high 9' mid block, this can be similar to a flat mid block, or a 9-10 mid block, except now we have one player who remains on the high line and removes the option for the OCB to pass sideways to the other OCB.
This offers an advantage for the team on the ball, as now one player from the pressing team (our team) is taken out of the congested middle space, making it a little easier to play forward or play into the congested space.
In the picture below. Our #10 is forced to engage the OCB, and our #7 is forced to tuck in more. If the team in possession can switch aggressively and are successful, they could get big rewards. So we are taking a risk using a 'high 9' mid block.
So why would we lose the extra 'pressing' player (a high #9)?
Perhaps we are losing, and it is important to force the opposition to play passes and play into areas where we can win the ball. By stopping easy 'side to side' passes it forces the OCB to play forward or backward. If they go back to the goal keeper then the pressing team can step up and press even higher (or force the Goal keeper to kick long). If the team in possession play forward then it offers us the chance to win the ball (and also having a high 9 means we have a quick forward pass (who should also naturally be in space) in transition.
This pic below offers a simple snapshot of what the picture might look like in game.
The picture below is from an Atletico Madrid game in which they use an obvious 'High 9 - Mid block'.
It is also important to note that the opposition are playing 3 at the back, so have lost the man advantage in midfield. So against 3 at the back a High 9 mid block may be a good tactic.
In the picture below, Atletico have 3 at the back, a line of 4 on the 6 line, 2 higher players (on the 8 line) and one high player (the #9).
The bottom 2 lines of the block still offer some protection to the weak side (non ball side) of the pitch.
In the video below you will see how this allows Atletico to repeat the block on the other side of the pitch after a switch, because the players are well positioned to shuffle, switch and pivot.
It is also interesting to note that 8 of the Atletico's 10 outfield players are congesting the ball side space. It clearly looks like that they would love it if the ball remained in this space for as long as possible.
Watch the video Below to see Atletico in action.
Using a 'High 9 - Mid block' with the idea of a 9-10 pivot, they work really hard to ensure players have zero time on the ball once they enter the block zone.
Task
Can you see this in the video?