THE BLOCK DOWN

Key Points

• Stand close to the opponent in the check position.
• As the opponent prepares to play the ball, reach forward with the arms outstretched, the hands close together and the fingers spread apart
• Keep your eyes on the ball.
• Block the ball at the point of contact with the boot.
• Move to regain possession ahead of the opponent.

Practice the Technique

Drill 1 – Basic - Block with Partner 

• Divide the group into pairs, one ball per pair.
• Ensure each pair has adequate space to perform the technique in a stationary position.
• Player A takes 3 steps in a pre-arranged direction before kicking gently for Player B in a kneeling position to block.
• Increase the strength of the kick as the blocker improves.
• Reverse the roles after a designated time.
• This drill is also effective in improving the confidence of the player in performing the block down.
• As the players improve increase the difficulty of the drill by getting the blocker to take up a standing position.

Drill2 - Intermediate – Hit the Target

• Mark out a grid 2m x 2m using cones
• On a signal Player A, positioned 10m to one side of the grid, kick passes the ball to Player B, positioned in the grid.
• Player C, beginning 5m to the other side of the grid, attempts to block Player B from passing to player D, 10m to the far side of the grid.
• Run the drill in reverse with the blocker and the player in the grid switching roles
• After a set number of attempts, switch the middle players with the outer players.

Develop the Technique

Game Play Drill

• Place a cone approximately 40m directly out from the goalposts
• Place a second cone approximately 20 from goal to one side
• Divide the players into pairs, one defender and one attacker
• Each attacker in turn solos towards goal shadowed by the defender
• Once within shooting range the attacker attempts to shoot for a point and the defender attempts to block
• Reverse the roles after a set number of attempts.

Fun Game – Possession Football

• Mark out a grid approximately 40m x 20m using cones.
• Divide the grid into four sections
• Divide the players into pairs, one pair per section
• One of each pair is a member of the same team
• The team with the ball attempt to retain possession by kicking the ball from section to section
• The opposing team attempt to block the kicks of their opponents.
• If the kick is blocked that team gain possession
• If the kick is successful that team must be allowed retain possession
• Continue the drill for a set period of time

The team that retains the ball for the greatest number of passes in sequence is the winner.