It’s the go-to tactic for any manager when facing a superior team. The aim is to compress the space, stay compact between the lines, and give the opposition no space in between and in behind. It’s a patient approach with the aim of hitting the opposition on the counter if the ball is won. It can be frustrating for the big team to not find a way through the low block for 90 minutes. However, there are several ways to open up space and create good goal-scoring opportunities.聽So here’s the blueprint on how to break down a low block:
Quick ball circulation
When facing a low block, it’s crucial to move the ball quickly from side to side. This forces the defensive unit to constantly shift, increasing the chances of gaps appearing between defenders. Teams that circulate the ball at high tempo, like Manchester City, often stretch a compact defense to find space for key passes or shots. However, it’s not just about moving the ball quickly at all times. You have to find the right moments to increase the tempo and when to decrease it. A metronome like Rodri for Manchester City or like Busquets used to be for Barcelona is essential.
Overloads and positional rotations
Creating overloads in specific areas, whether it鈥檚 out wide or central, can draw defenders out of position, leaving gaps to exploit. If the opposition remains in their structure, any overload of 2v1, 3v2, etc. can be played out easily. Positional rotations, where players frequently swap roles or spaces, can also confuse defenders and disrupt their shape. By outnumbering defenders or rotating players, teams can destabilize a low block and create goal-scoring chances.聽
Fabian H眉rzeler, the new manager of Brighton, likes to play with two free-roaming No.10s that should drift around looking to create overloads. In certain situations, you’d have both occupying the same space with the goal of confusing the defence and attracting as many defenders as possible.
Use of width and crosses
Stretching the play wide is an effective way to pull defenders out of their compact positions. A low block likes to stay narrow to compress the space centrally and prevent any progression through the middle. Teams can create dangerous opportunities through wide combinations, followed by crosses or cut-backs, especially when the defense is too focused on protecting the central areas.聽
If the defence stretches too to cover the space laterally, gaps will appear in more central areas, as no four or five defenders (depending on the system) can cover the entire width of a football pitch. If the defence decides not to stretch and to remain compact and narrow, space appears on the wings.
Once you have the ball out wide, you often have two options. Either you go to the byline and look for a cut-back or you look for a cross into the box. When choosing the latter, a big target forward is important. A striker like Erling Haaland or even Olivier Giroud has a good chance of winning those aerial duels in the box and converting the crosses into goal-scoring opportunities.
These types of players are also useful for set-pieces. Teams like Arsenal rely heavily on set pieces. In the 2023/24 Premier League season, they scored 20 goals from corners and free kicks, the most in the league. The centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel were on the forefront of this, but also Kai Havertz, who is one of the most aerially dominant players in the league, contributed with a few goals from set-pieces. Showing the importance of having players that are good in the air.
Switching play and 1v1s
A main reason behind using width to break down a low block is to switch the play quickly and to isolate good 1v1 dribblers. When keeping the ball on one side of the pitch, the opposition will shift their block to close down the space. An often-used tactic is then to have a good 1v1 dribbler isolated on the far side while the rest of the team shifts over to provide passing options. The isolated player can be used as a set tactic or as a last resort when the space gets too compressed or no way through is found.
The far-sided player will often have space to attack the full back and move into the penalty box. Players like Bukayo Saka or Lamine Yamal are perfect examples. Their mission is to beat the defender and either play a good ball into the box or have a shot themselves.
Movement with intent
The aim is to disrupt a shape that has the sole purpose of staying compact and, if executed well, is very difficult to break down. To create chaos, there has to be constant movement. However, it shouldn’t be movement for the sake of it; a clear purpose has to be visible. Decoy runs are always a good option to create space.
These runs by forwards can pull defenders away from key areas, creating space for others to attack. A well-timed late run can exploit these gaps, especially when the defense is focused on the decoy. A striker dropping deep creates space in behind if he is followed by a centre back that can be exploited by midfielders or wingers running beyond.
Shots from distance
Often viewed as a sign of frustration, shooting from distance is actually a viable measure against a low block. When space is limited inside the box, taking shots from outside can be the easiest way of testing the goalkeeper. Powerful or well-placed shots can force the goalkeeper into tough saves, while deflections or rebounds often cause chaos in a crowded penalty area. The probability of a shot outside of the box going in may be smaller, but if you at least get it on target, you force corners or rebounds. Rodri likes to line up a longshot occasionally and has had a bit of success with it in recent years.
