Our first presser goes, the midfield doesn't

The distance between your forward and your midfield line is currently creating an invitation for the opposition to play through you. At U13, if the gap exceeds ten yards, your vertical compactness is compromised, and you are effectively defending in two separate halves rather than a connected unit. The issue is a lack of shared reference points; your midfielders are likely waiting for the ball to be played before they recognize their trigger to step up. Use a small-sided exercise with 'coned channels' where the midfield line is restricted to a maximum distance from the striker. If the forward presses, the midfield must shift forward to reduce the space in the central pocket. Focus their attention on the striker’s back—when they move, the unit moves. Improvement looks like a midfield that recognizes the cue of a 'committed press' rather than reacting to the flight of the ball.