HNL (Croatia)· 3 min read
The high block in the Croatian league: a risk worth taking?
A high block in the domestic league wins plenty of balls, but also creates plenty of one-on-ones with the goalkeeper. Where is the line?
A high block means the defensive line sits high and the first pressure starts at the opponent's penalty area. In a league where many teams still rely on long balls, that is a decision with two faces.
Cost and benefit
- Benefit: recovering the ball 30-40 metres closer to the opposition goal.
- Cost: every aerial duel the opponent wins turns into a race into open space.
- Requirement: a goalkeeper who defends space and centre-backs quick off the first step.
Adjusting during the match
The best teams do not play one block for ninety minutes. Once ahead, they drop the line five to ten metres and change the triggers: instead of pressing the goalkeeper, they wait for the pass to the full-back and close the line there.
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