split defense

The split defense is an effective defensive formation that I use to guard the goal against shots like the pin shot and the rollover. In other words, shots that can shoot around a defense in multiple ways.

Unlike the pull shot or the push shot, shots like the pin shot and the rollover can shoot in different directions. For example, in  a case where the goalie is having to defend against a pin shot, the goalie may choose to concentrate on stopping the straight-in. Therefore, the goalie will most likely position his defensive formation directly in front of the ball. This might be refer to as a straight-in defensive formation position.

a straight-in defensive position only takes away one of the three options in which a pin shot can go

In situations where a multidirectional shot, like the pin shot is used, a shooter can easily just shoot around a straight-in defensive position. This can be very frustrating for anyone who has the unfortunate task of playing goalie when this occurs.  Mainly because, not only can the shooter shoot around the defense, but the goalie also has to figure out which direction the shot is going to go.

a multidirectional shot can shoot around a straight-in defensive position

And the sad thing is, that most goalies, especially beginners, who just don't know any better, will most often than not, use a straight-in defensive approach when in a situation where a multidirectional shot is being used by the shooter.

As mentioned earlier, the problem with trying to stop a shot like the pin shot, is that the shot can go in three different directions. The shot can go into the far corner, the near corner, or straight-in.

a multidirectional shot can shoot towards the far corner

a multidirectional shot can shoot towards the near corner

This is when a split defense comes in handy.  The cool thing about the split defense is that it may sometimes turn the odds in your favor. Instead of  taking away one of the three options in which a shooter can go with when using a multidirectional shot. With a split defense, you take away two of three options.

A split defense takes away two of the three options

Not only does this defensive concept take away two of the three options from the shooter, but it also forces the shooter to use the only remaining option of the three which is the straight in.  More importantly, by using a split defense, the goalie now has taken control of the situation.  Unlike before, where the goalie had to guess where shooter was going to go, now the goalie knows where the shooter is most likely going to go.

This is what a good goalie will try to do. A good goalie will take control of the shooter's game. Dictate where you want the shooter to shoot the ball, because by knowing where the shot is going to go is half the battle. In other words, fight the battle on ground that favors you and not your opponent.

How to use a split defense
First of all, the split defense is not for the faint at heart. It is a very aggressive and bold defensive concept. This defensive formation is for the player who is not afraid to take a chance and risk letting one go by. This defensive formation is for the goalie who wants to take control of the shooter.

The reason why this is such a bold defensive concept is because it requires leaving the straight-in shooting lane wide open.

A split defense takes away two of the corner shots, but leaves the straight-in wide open

To a beginner or even the novice, this type of defense may seem totally suicidal and rightfully so in most cases. But for goalies, like myself, who like to mix it up and toy around with the minds of the opposing shooter, this type of defensive concept can sometimes be very effective.

Effectively using a split defense
Initially, you do not start out using a split defensive formation when the shooter is using a multidirectional shot. Like in most cases with any other shots, you start out using a basic defensive formation while the shooter is preparing and gearing up for the shot.

initially you start out using a basic defensive formation

Study the shooter and his habits very closely. This will help you to know when to and when not to incorporate a split defense. Like with other defensive schemes, you want to flex or shift into a split defense very subtle like and undetected.

shift or flex your men from a basic defensive to a split defensive formation

Once the shooter appears to be ready to shoot, is when you want to briefly show the shooter a split defense. This will usually surprise most shooters when they are looking over the defense to see what is there just before shooting the ball. Because of this, the shooter should start to consider going for the straight-in shot which is what you want him to do. It's a very tempting and easy scoring opportunity which some shooters will eagerly consider taking advantage of.

After you have incorporated the split defense for a brief moment, you now want to flex or shift one or both of your men to cover the straight-in lane. If the shooter still has not yet shot the ball, keep flexing your men every so often and try to be as subtle as possible.

with great subtly, flex or shift your man to cover the straight-in

Remember that you do not need to cover the straight-in with both men, but rather just with a portion of one of the man's feet.

with great subtly, flex or shift your man to cover the straight-in

Flex one man at a time, or you can do both. I prefer to flex one man at time. It makes it easy for the movement to go undetected. All the while, you want to be watching what the shooter is doing. Look to see if he is responding and watching your movements.

If the shooter is doing a pin shot or perhaps a reverse, then look to see if the ball is in a forward or back pinned position. It makes a big difference. If the ball is in a back pinned position, then the shooter, in most cases, can only go in two of the three directions. This is because, it is nearly impossible for the shooter to shoot the ball straight in while the ball is in a back pinned position. There is no way for shooter to hit the ball forward because it is too far back to make good contact.

if the ball is in a back pinned position, then the straight-in is very difficult to make

However, a good pin shot shooter can easily maneuver the ball to where she can hit the ball straight-in from a back pin position. Still, for the most part, you should be only concerned with guarding the two corners and not so much the straight-in. Keep a watchful eye on how the shooter is handling to ball. If it appears that the shooter is maneuvering the ball to go straight-in, then flex one or both of your men to block the shot.

On the other hand, if the shooter is attempting a forward pin or a rollover, then the straight-in is a factor to consider when applying your defense scheme. Because from a forward pin position, the shooter can easily and very quickly hit the ball forward. With a rollover shot, the shooters just needs to do one quick revolution with the man and the ball is in the hole.

if the ball is in a forward pinned position, then the straight-in becomes a factor defensively

With the straight-in being a factor, you should use the split defense with extreme caution. Show the shooter the split defense briefly. Do it just enough to get his attention.

In conclusion, the split defense is one of those defensive scheme that works fairly well again multidirectional shots. Mix it into your defense while the shooter is preparing to do his shot. Be very subtle, and do it briefly. Leave it showing long enough to get the shooter interested in going for the straight-in. Once the shooter has fallen for the bait, then flex or shift one or both of your men to cover the straight-in shot.

Remember, that the split defensive concept is a very aggressive and unorthodox way to play goalie. Like all of my defensive scheme it requires timing, anticipation, intuition, and boldness. You need to  closely watch how the shooter is handling and maneuvering the ball. The sooner you can determine what type of shot the shooter is planning to do, the sooner you can apply the proper defensive approach that will best suit the situation defensively.  Knowing how and when to do this does not come over night for most of us. It takes years of playing and understanding the game of foosball.

Try incorporating the split defense into your defensive scheme. Do not get discourage if you do not get the kind of results you are expecting initially. As you develop as a goalie, you should eventually learn when to incorporate the split defense.