“If you win the ball back high up the pitch and you are close to the goal, it is only one pass away a really good opportunity most of the time. One of the modern masterminds behind pressing in the modern game had this to say about blocking the ball in the opponent’s half of the field: Liverpool attackers Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, and Sadio Mané have been some of the best pressers in European soccer over the last few years, terrorizing teams with their work ethic. We’re now seeing certain forwards become exceptional blockers and interceptors. It is the equivalent of a full-court press in basketball. Pressing forwards always operate with the intention of intercepting or winning the ball back. Essentially, this means that forward players apply significant pressure to opposition defenders while they are in the build-up phase of possession. In modern soccer, many top teams “press from the front”. N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) is a master defensive midfield player with an incredible talent for intercept loose balls and blocking passing lanes, making him one of the most valuable players in today’s game.Īn intelligent defensive midfield player can be an invaluable asset to a team, stopping attacks before they can even begin. Important blocks typically occur when a defender snuffs out an opposition player’s attempt at a shot, assist, or cross.īlocking the ball is also an important skill for midfielders. Which Position Blocks the Ball the Most?īlocking the ball is traditionally a defensive skill. It’s legal to block the ball using any part of the body other than the hands or arm (up to the shoulder). You can block a pass, shot, cross, or throw-in. This type of blocking involves using your body to prevent the ball from reaching the kicker’s intended target. There are two main types of blocking in soccer: blocking the ball and blocking the player. 3) Blocking the Player Types of Blocking in Soccer

Tactical soccer plays