Types of defensive blocks (low, medium & high) - what are they primarily about?

[Experienced Defender]

A (hopefully) simple question for more experienced FM players: does the term defensive block (primarily) relates merely to the position (depth) of d-line or to the space between the lines in the defensive phase (i.e. when out of possession)?

In other words, can a low block be applied when you play with a higher d-line or only when it's deep(er)? And vice versa, high block with a deeper d-line?

For example, if your back line is positioned higher up the pitch and your next (midfield) line is fairly close to the d-line, so that there is very little space between these two lines, is that a low or high block (or medium for that matter)?

And finally, can you play a low block with a more offensive mentality, and conversely - a high block with a defensive mentality?

 

[MBarbaric]

deep/medium/high block is generally used to describe where the defending team starts to defend actively. When they engage in closing down, pressing... 

In high block, a team has high defensive line and is very aggressive in order to get in possession. Used when the team is losing and needs to take risks, when the team tries to intimidate the opposition...

In deep block, a team has their defensive line deep (closer to the edge of their box). Usually avoids high press (unless in pressing traps), and preferes to keep their shape letting the opposition make a mistake instead of actively looking to provoke a mistake. Think of France in WC final against Croatia.

In medium block, you can combine both these features. Think of Croatia in that same final.

However, each team usually uses all three blocks during a match and it is only roughly describing where the team generally starts to engage the opposition.  (i.e. Croatia-medium/high; France-medium/deep)

3 ore fa, Experienced Defender ha scritto:

For example, if your back line is positioned higher up the pitch and your next (midfield) line is fairly close to the d-line, so that there is very little space between these two lines, is that a low or high block (or medium for that matter)?

What you are describing here is vertical compactness of the defensive unit. It is not strictly connected with the nature of the block. However, if you play in deep block, the distance between lines is naturally shorter as you try to deny space to the opposition. In high block, distances between lines tend to be bigger, especially when the defending team tries to press the opposition high.

 

[westy8chimp]

3 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

And finally, can you play a low block with a more offensive mentality, and conversely - a high block with a defensive mentality?

Exactly as @MBarbaric said... As for your last question... Yes to both.

In fm the mentalities come with some assumed defaults lower mentality has deeper line and higher mentality has higher line... But you can change.

In fact a 4231 on defensive with PI on the front 6 to close down much more/more can create an effective high block. Then you can use the TI defence line setting to choose where you want your second press.

If you go very fluid you create more compact vertical and can high-medium or low-medium block as a team

[Experienced Defender]

Thank you both very much. Cheers