Shot Block

   

   

 

The term ' shot block' describes the structure required, and the actions of players , when there is a threat that the ball might be hit at goal when in the 'key goal scoring area' (the hot spot) and what to do if it is.

Shot blocking starts with the following fundamental defending objective :

The #1 Objective of Defending is :

Stopping the opposition from scoring.

 

'Man-marking', 'tackling', 'winning the ball' etc (although these are all a very important part of defending) they are not the main objective.

For this reason :

The hot spot area needs to be heavily defended.

 

Shot Block Principles

Shot blocking means :

  1. Keeping the area in front of the goal as congested as possible so that any attempt on goal is either blocked, misses or goes to the keeper.
    • Note : Trying to get the 'defensive triangle' set up (see video below) is a minimum requirement.
  2. Close down players 'on the ball' in scoring positions, and deny them time and space, and generally make it really hard for the attackers to get easy shots at goal.
  3. Goal keepers saving shots are also part of the shot block process - Players can cut of parts of the goal, while the goalkeeper takes the rest.
    • So it isn't that shots won't occur or aren't allowed, it's just that if a shot does occur, then the goalkeeper should have a good chance of saving it.

 

 

Task #1

Study the video below to assess how well Aston Villa followed the 'shot block' principles.

When did they do it well, and when did they get it wrong?

 

Note :

  • Sometimes letting a cross come into the box, is a better option than trying to win the ball out wide.
    • It is very tempting for defenders to get dragged towards the ball, or get taken out of the 'hot spot' by clever forward movement, but if the ball does find its way into the box, and forwards / midfielders in the box, and have lots of time and space if the ball does find them, then they are in a great position from which to score.
    • Conversely if the defensive shape in the 'hot spot' area is good, it may be better if the ball does come into the box and if the defenders are ready to react and are able to put pressure on the ball, then the likelihood of the opposition scoring is low.

 

 

The next picture is of a possible set up for a corner.

Although this is not a page on defending corners, a corner set up can be used as a base for all scenarios when there is a chance the ball may be hit into the box.

Read the notes regarding the changes that are required for crosses (compared to corners).

 

Defencive set up on corners.png

Blockers need to be mindful of the angles to goal

Shot block angles.png

 

In the picture above:

  • P3 has drifted outside the goal scoring zone, and away from an area which can be used to protect the goal if need be.
  • P4 is in a much better position for supporting P1 and P2, and protecting other spaces in the goal scoring zone.

In the video above, did Brighton block the lines to left, and leave the line to the goal keeper open.

What about in the next clip.

Did the 2 Villa blockers let the shot go towards the keeper (let that be an option, but ensure that was the only option they gave the shooter)?

 

 

 

The BIGGEST BUS Ever Parked.
Barcelona - Chelsea 2-2 Tactical Analysis.

 

When a team defends around the box well it is very difficult to score.

Watch the video below and study what a Chelsea did well, and maybe not so well in regards to the shpt block Principles.

 

Although this is a Low Block video, look for moments when the ball got into the 'goal scoring zone' and examine what the defensive shape was as the ball came in, and examine how the defenders dealt with the balls that came in to the hot spot (goal scoring zone).

 

 

 

Shot block principles play a huge part in defending crosses, corners, free kicks hit into the box etc. With this in mind check out the following videos.

 

 

Defending Crosses

   

   

Defending Corners

   

   

   

   

Defending free kicks

   

 

 

Task : Watch the following Video and answer the following questions :

 

1) What mistakes (in regards to shot blocking principles)  did crystal palace make for the goals they conceded?

2) What did Burnley do well when Crystal Palace had chances (in regards to the shot block principles).?

 

 

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