When talking about football, one of the most difficult things for the attacking team to do is beat a low block. As a defensive tactic, the low block helps teams limit their opponents’ passing choices, challenge them, and limit space. If you are passionate about football, you must want to know more about this tactics. Dont worry, we wre here to help you. Successful strategies for getting past a low block and setting up scoring chances are covered in this article.
What is a low block?
When a team sits back close to their goal, instead of pressing or using a mid-block, they are said to be using a “low block” defensive approach. Teams aim to win the ball back in the attacking third during a high press, whereas teams concentrate on the middle third during a mid-block and the defensive third during a low block.
As an out-of-possession tactic, a low block has the team concentrate on defending their own defensive third. Keeping compact in a deep position and defending the space near the goal should be your top objective. Positioning the back line deep allows us to limit the space behind the players that the opposition can exploit. As they approach the defence, the offensive and midfield groups strive to maintain close quarters.
When using a low block, what do the players do when the team is in possession?
The defence is positioned high up the field as all players participate in a low block to defend and cover the defensive third. Because defending the defensive third of the field is the main goal of a low block, space in the other team’s half is conceded. This creates an opening for a counterattack after the team has won the ball in a low block, especially on the wings when the other team’s fullbacks have advanced. The distance the team must go to the opponents’ goal after a regain is substantial, much larger than while defending in a mid-block, due to players dropping relatively deep in a low block.
Whether you’re passing, dribbling, switching positions, or running with or without the ball, you need to be quick when attacking from deeper areas. Players in higher positions on the field must also be adept at hold-up play, which allows their teammates more time to respond to attacks by preventing them from releasing the ball. After a low block recapture, a large number of players would congregate in a congested section of the field. Teams often attempt to clear the ball and tighten the pitch as a result. Direct play, in conjunction with a low block, is more typical than a mid-block defending team’s use of numerous short passes to disrupt a counter-press.
When using a low block, what do the players do when the team is out of possession?
The low block’s primary objective is to occupy the area immediately in front of the goal and to ensure the goal’s safety and defence. Players are urged to drop back and cover for teammates who are forced out of position and leave gaps in the defensive structure, even though most low blocks originally consist of three lines or units – defence, midfield, and attack. Individuals must maintain a high level of self-control in a low block so they don’t get out of position to get possession of the ball.
The key to a successful low block is maintaining small gaps between players in each line and between defensive units. If a player attempts to win the ball by stepping out of his slot, the team’s compactness will be compromised.
Players are required to stay in one place over extended periods of time because the penalty area is near or in the middle of a low block. Keeping compact and making specific defensive moves to clear the ball, block shots, and contest for crosses are ongoing tests for defenders under prolonged periods of pressure. They should do their best to block the other team’s line of sight to the goal.
What are the benefits of playing with a low block?
- When you have a solid, well-drilled low block, the other team has a very hard time creating scoring opportunities. Having a large number of men so close to the goal makes it extremely difficult for the other team to get the ball to the middle of the field, where they have a better chance of scoring.
- Because the team is so near to their own goal, a low block practically completely eliminates play over the top of the defensive line. Due to the high volume of players in the central lanes, playing through a low block can also be quite challenging. As a result, counterattacks with low blocks and crosses into the middle are common. On the other hand, wide crosses shouldn’t be a problem for a compact low block.
- Another difference between low blocks and high presses is that the former allows players more time to recover and recharge, while the latter demands more stamina and effort. When a team’s score is in the balance, this tactic is effective.
What are the disadvantages to playing with a low block?
- The distance to goal following a regain is far larger than it is with a high press or a mid-block, the other two defensive techniques. Players must be swift on their feet and have good stamina to recover the ball quickly if it is lost. It takes more time to test concentration levels in a low block.
- When teams are positioned lower on the pitch, even a single defensive blunder or misplacement could end up costing more than if they were higher up.
- Every one of the team’s ten outfielders must lay down their lives for a low block to succeed. Because of this, some of the best attackers end themselves on defence and are unable to make a difference once the ball is in their possession.
What are the alternatives to a low block?
The other two options for teams that aren’t playing low block are mid-block and high press, in which the goal is to win the ball back close to the other team’s goal or defending the middle third of the field.
Conclusion
Football players use a combination of strategic thinking, natural ability, and calculated action to get past a low block. Positional games, rondos, possession games, and SSGs are all essential components of a well-rounded training programme that will equip a team to overcome compact low blocks.
Furthermore, being patient, having good game-management skills, and consistently playing defence are crucial for maintaining control and taking advantage of opportunities. Practice, creativity, and teamwork can conquer even the most challenging low blockades.
