Soccer low block: Everything You Need To Know
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Although the low block is considered a “boring” tactic and is looked down upon, It is highly effective. Just ask Guardiola’s Barcelona, whose beautiful tiki-taka system was nullified by Jose’s Inter back in 2010.
Now Football Terms will explain everything about a low block in football!
What is soccer low block?
The low block is a system where the players defend very deep in their own half and restrict the space for the opposition players to exploit. It is a static form of defending as there is not much movement unlike in a gegenpressing system.
Technically, a soccer low block is referred to as an out-of-possession strategy of a team that focuses on protecting the defensive third of the pitch. The idea is to stay compact, especially in a deep position near the goal. The defensive line sits deep to limit the space behind the back line. Thus the midfield line and attacking line drop deep too to restrict the space between the lines. They make sure the distance between the three lines is constantly kept to a minimum too.
Generally, the low block consists of two banks of 4 that sit narrow to allow the attacking team space in the wide areas. This forces them away from the goal as much as possible. Simeone, Dyche, and Mourinho set up their teams with different degrees of narrowness though.
Attacking from a soccer low block
Every player’s priority is protecting and covering the defensive third in a low-block system. However, a well-coached low-block system is equally as effective in attack.
Opposition is drawn out of their half to make sure there is space to be exploited behind them. Especially once the opposition’s attacking fullbacks have pushed up, the team sitting in the low-block look to counterattack as soon as they have the ball.
They counterattack and look to exploit the space behind them. Since the distance to be covered to the opposition’s goal is so vast, it is usually done before the attacking team can reorganize its defense.
Counterattacks from such deep positions usually require incisive actions such as a crucial dribble or progressive pass or switches of play to get the ball into the attacking third as fast as possible. The other interesting way teams with a low block attack is hold-up play from anyone high up the pitch. As the player holds the ball up, off-the-ball runs are made to make sure they catch up with the play. This eventually helps them progress the ball and provides support.
Often this is done through direct long balls, especially since when players manage to recover the ball in a low block there tend to be a lot of players in certain zones as they overload the defense. Once they clear the ball they look to squeeze up the pitch.
Defensive roles in a low-block
It is extremely necessary for players to be disciplined in a soccer low block especially when they don’t have the ball. Players must avoid moving out of position to win the ball back in a low block as it disrupts the compactness of the team. The distance between each line and each defensive unit should always be kept to a minimum for a successful low block.
Defenders are often tested under prolonged periods of constant pressure. They have to make sure to stay compact and make the right individual defensive actions. This ensures the attacking team does not get a clear sight of the goal.
When the attacking team is given space out wide due to the compact defensive shape, the central defenders’ main job is to head away crosses or clear away cutbacks coming into the danger zone from the wings. The midfield line sticks close to the defensive line to limit line-breaking passes. To facilitate counter-attacks, a forward or two are often left near the halfway line to tussle with the opposition center-half in case a clearance falls to their feet.
Overall, while the gegenpressing system might have reduced the success of a low-block, it will always be one of the most used tactics, especially by the underdog. It provided a puncher’s chance of causing an upset, and a well-coached low-block can perform miracles.
Conclusion – Soccer low block
Generally speaking, a low block is an out-of-possession strategy through which a team focuses on protecting the defensive third of the pitch. The priority is to remain compact in a deep position, defending the space close to the goal.
The back line is positioned deep, aiming to limit the space behind for the opposition to exploit. Just ahead of the defense, the midfield and attacking units look to keep the distances between each unit to a minimum.
