Tactical Terminology: High Block / Press

In this week’s edition of Tactical Terminology, we delve into the high block/ press, a bold, high-risk, high-reward system, where a team aggressively presses the opposition high up the field to disrupt ball movement and force mistakes.

Last pre-season, in collaboration with Utah Women's Soccer, we at Just Play Sport Solutions developed detailed diagrams along with video content to help coach Travis better teach the intricacies of their high press tactics to his players. These resources allowed the team to see the tactical discipline and coordinated movements required for successful execution. It also helped me again tactical knowledge that I will share in this article.

Objective of the High Block

The high block complimented with a high press, aims to compress the field by putting immediate pressure on the opposing ball carrier. A high block can help a team dictate the pace of the game. By pressing high, they force the opposition to make quicker decisions, which can lead to errors or a less organized attacking approach. This tactic requires cohesive movement from the entire team, with players working in sync to close down space and disrupt passing lanes.

Formation and Movement

One of the most common formations for deploying a high block is the 4-3-3, which balances defensive stability with offensive pressure. In this setup ( Credit to Hugo Thaxter 's Total Football Analysis article) :

• The front three (forwards) press the opposition’s defenders, preventing easy passes between the center-backs.
• The midfield pushes forward to support, ensuring no gaps are left between the lines.
• The entire team shifts toward the ball, effectively compressing space on that side of the field.

The primary pressing zones can be broken into three areas:

• Green Zone: This is the area where the defending team exerts the most pressure, hoping to win the ball back quickly.
• Yellow Zone: A less pressurized area, where the defending team is willing to concede space, betting that the opposition will make a mistake under pressure and fail to exploit this opening.
• Red Zone: The danger zone, particularly on the weak side of the pitch. If the opposition can switch play to this area, the defending team risks being out of position, leaving themselves exposed.

The Role of Pressing Traps

Pressing traps are a fundamental aspect of the high press. Effective pressing involves two key factors: timing and triggers. The team must identify a specific "trigger"—a tactical cue such as a poor touch, backward pass, or isolated player—that signals when to initiate the press. Once identified, the entire team must react in unison, closing down the ball carrier and cutting off passing lanes. This coordinated pressure is critical to success, as pressing at the wrong moment or without full team involvement can lead to gaps and leave the defense vulnerable.

Advantages of the High Block

The primary advantage of the high block lies in its ability to create a compact playing area, making it easier for the defending team to close down the ball carrier. The tighter the space, the harder it becomes for the opposition to find passing lanes or build out from the back.

Additionally, if the defending team wins the ball in these advanced areas, they are already positioned close to the opposition’s goal, allowing them to transition quickly into an attacking phase. This proximity to the goal can result in quick counter-attacks or immediate chances on goal.

Disadvantages and Risks

However, the high block is not without its risks. Since the defensive line is positioned so far up the field, a single lapse in concentration or miscommunication can leave large spaces behind, particularly if the opposition has fast wingers or playmakers adept at long balls. This vulnerability makes the high block a dangerous tactic against teams with quick, direct attackers.

Moreover, the high press is energy-intensive, requiring constant pressure and coordination. Teams must be mindful of when to apply this tactic, as maintaining it throughout the entire match can lead to fatigue, which in turn diminishes its effectiveness.

Just Play X Utah Utes.

In today’s fast-paced world of soccer, teaching complex tactical concepts can be a challenge, especially when trying to engage athletes outside of training sessions. Just Play's player app provides a powerful solution, allowing coaches to teach tactical terminology in a captivating and accessible way.

Working closely with Utah Women’s Soccer, we designed tactical diagrams tailored to their high-press system. The combination of these concept diagrams and video content helps players absorb the intricacies of their team’s tactics right from their phones. This interactive approach enables athletes to visualize movements and positional play, enhancing their understanding of the game in a more efficient and convenient manner. Whether at home or on the go, players can stay engaged and make the most of their tactical education.

Goal-Kicks and Pressing Triggers:

The main idea behind this tactics is to use goal kicks as a pressing trigger. The teams sets up in a way that somewhat forces the opposing goal keeper to play a short pass to her center backs. Utah uses this as a pressing trigger.

The goal here to press the center back while making the playing area compact. The team also focus on guarding the passing lanes.

JP Player App Preview

Conclusion

The high block is a dynamic and aggressive defensive system that can suffocate possession-based teams when executed with precision and discipline. However, it is not without risk. The rewards of winning the ball high up the pitch and immediately transitioning to attack must be weighed against the potential for exposing the defense to fast counter-attacks.

For teams looking to adopt this approach, it requires not only tactical awareness but also fitness, bravery, and defensive cohesion. Stay tuned for the next article in our Tactical Terminology series, where we will explore more tactical systems and their practical applications on the pitch!