How to defend in a Low Block – The “Diego Simeone Way”

Out of possession, the 4-4-2 is perhaps the most common shape used in football. Diego Simeone is the coach who managed to implement this in the best and more efficient way. This is mainly due to the fact that is the easiest way to evenly cover more spaces having close distances and distinct lines. Beside the shape, the player’s movements, roles and responsibilities on the pitch are also important. It is the coach’s philosophy and the reflection of his methodology that will give life to the way of play.

Low Block defending

While teams and managers are always looking to find new approaches to defend with high, medium and low block, many teams in professional football are returning to the 4-4-2. Diego Simeone is using that almost from the beginning of his coaching career. The renaissance of the 4-4-2 has seen clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and many other top sides rely on this shape out of possession, though each club has their own way of utilizing it. The defense in simple words means that a team has to control the space.

Formation of Athletico Madrid in low block against Liverpool
Athletico Madrid defending in a very low block

Basic guidelines used in a 4 – 4 – 2 low-block

The main objective when defending is to prevent the opponents from scoring. The statistical aspect of the game shows that the majority of goals are coming from actions though central channels, inside the box or just outside the penalty area. So, the focus of a team defending in a low block is firstly to prevent the opponents to occupy these dangerous spaces and secondly if they do receive a pass in these areas, to not leave them unmark with time to make the attacking actions (shoot, pass, dribble etc.)

The dangerous areas in football and goal scoring areas

Example of how to structure the Principles and Sub – Principles in a Defensive Low Block Phase

Principles and Sub-principles of low block.

Key points

The importance of the distances

Situations

Situation 1: Forcing the ball to outside channels and set pressing traps

In this scenario, the team in possession is attacking in a 4-3-3 with narrow wingers and high and wide fullbacks. The holding midfielder is in a deep position which allows the full backs to push up higher and the central defenders to have more wide positions. When the pass is played from the left central defender out to the left-back, the left-winger who is located in the left half-space has the intention to find the proper position to receive the ball between the lines.

Situation 2: Full backs push wide to defend

Situation 3: Switch of play

Conclusion