“A high line”

Definition

A defense that positions itself far up the field, away from its own goal, squeezing the opposition into their own half. It's a risky strategy that wins the ball back quickly, but leaves an enormous amount of grass behind the back four.

Origin

The line refers to the invisible row the defenders hold across the field. Push it high and you risk a speedy opposition forward racing onto a long ball and bearing down on your own goal.

Used in a sentence

"They defend on the halfway line and dare you to run in behind. It's a brave high line, and only one long pass from being very embarrassing."