A Low Block

 

A low block is a block that sits on, or around, the edge of the penalty box

At some point in games,  all teams will adopt this block, as it makes it really hard for teams to get into good goal scoring opportunities.

The central area around the goal is always heavily manned, and any balls played into this area are aggressively defended.

When a low block has is being adopted, a team will quite often use a 5-4-1, 4-5-1 or sometimes 5-5-0 structure.

As a philosophy of play it is often refereed to as 'parking the bus'.

When teams play this way,  counter attacks are a big part of a teams attempt to get forward forward and win games.

Jose Mourinho has won champions league titles using this philosophy of play

 

Check out this video : Is it the BIGGEST BUS Ever Parked.
Barcelona - Chelsea 2-2 Tactical Analysis.

 

 

 

 

Task # : A Low Block

As an exercise to improve your understanding of a low Block :

Watch a game on YouTube involving one team that that adopts a low block as a system of play against a team that dominates possession and is trying to break this block down.

Maybe check out the following game : Chelsea vs Bayern : 2012 Champions league final :

 

 

 

In the video (either the one above or another)  make a note of :

  • When and why a team goes in to a low block.
  • How a team plays as a unit within a low block.
  • When a low block then changes into either a period of possession, another block or into a shot block mentality.

 

 

Optional Extra

José Mourinho: Tactics, Inter 3 Barcelona 1 – Masterclass

The video below is not strictly on 'A low block' but Mourinho is often cited as one of the best coaches in terms of setting up defensively to win games.

Watch if you are interested, otherwise move on to the next topic.

 

 

 

 

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