Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Defensive Blocks

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Name:	Travis Yoakum
City:	CARBONDALE
Country:	United States of America
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): High Block

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High Block

The line of confrontation is where the defensive team begins to apply pressure on the ball, or in other words, the area of the field where the team really begins to defend. In general, teams that play in a “low pressure” defensive scheme usually begin defending (or set their line of confrontation) close to midfield.

To ensure that teams don't sit deep we add a restraining line, which represents the furthest point that defenders can drop to. This compression of play in match practice allows a free flow of counter-attacking scenarios to develop at both ends.

Advantages of a high defensive line lie in the distances between the defending side and the team in possession. Little space creates a compact playing area, making it easier to close down the opposition. If the ball is won high up the field, the team is in position to quickly recycle it to the forward line. Again, there is less distance to opponent's goal.

Disadvantage - if the defending team has a lapse in their defensive lines, they can find themselves exposed: opposing forwards can get in behind the defenders.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Med. Block

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Med. Block

Advantages

It is compact and balanced defensive tactic. The team is not too far forward or back, which leads to a good balance that will allow the team to seamlessly work attacking transitions. It can be easier to keep in shape because this system does not require as much energy as a team that presses high. Furthermore, when transitioning to an attacking phase, it is easier to keep possession of the ball because of the numerical advantage in the midfield area.

Disadvantages

Lack of pressure on the ball carrier of the opposing team. In most instances, a team that employs this tactic will be inviting the opposing team to take them on and try to break down the unit (which could be an advantage too). However, the major disadvantage to this system is that if one player loses shape, it will affect the whole unit. While this is true for any defensive system, the standard block has less pressure on the ball and still does allow some space in behind. Therefore, it is crucial to stay compact.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Low Block

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Low Block

When in a low block, it can make it difficult for the opposing team to break down. Especially, if the attackers are lacking creativity and struggle with limited space. Another advantage is the moment where the defending team can launch a counter-attack: attacking the team will sometimes push so many players forward that they get caught out.

Despite some advantages, disadvantages outweigh them. Low block is associated with the last ditch defending, which can lead to immense pressure. Teams that are closer to their own goal are more likely to concede. It is a simpler concept: as the attacking team gets closer to the goal, they are more likely to score. Without an outstanding keeper performance, defending teams' tactics may go to waste.