Shot Block

 

This term describes the structure required and the actions of players , when there is a threat that the ball might be hit into the goal scoring area (hot spot) and what to do if it is. IT starts with the following rule.

#1 Rule of Defending

The #1 rule of defending is stopping the opposition from scoring.

It is not 'marking', 'tackling', 'winning the ball' etc (although these are an important part of defending).

For this reason, the hot spot area needs to be heavily defended.

Watch the highlights of Brighton vs Aston Villa (Final score 0-0). Study the video to assess who well Aston Villa followed the 'shot block' principles, remembering that 'shot block doesn't mean block shots and prevent shot at all costs.

Shot Block Principles

It means keep the area in front of the goal sufficiently congested at all times (trying to get the defensive triangle set up (see video below) at a minimum), close down players on the ball in scoring positions, deny tie and space and generally make it really hard for the attackers to get easy shots at goal. Goal keepers saving shots are part of the shot block process - Players can cut of parts of the goal, while the Goal keeper takes the rest.

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?

 

 

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 are in position it will be an almost certain goal. Conversely, it may be better for a ball to come into the box, if the defensive shape in the 'hot spot' is good and defenders react well,and deal with the ball well, then the likelihood of 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 of when the ball may be hit into the box. Read the notes regarding the adaptions 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 protect the goal if need be. P4 is 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 make sure the shot to the keeper was on, but that was it?

 

 

 

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 that area.

 

 

 

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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