The Foot Block

i apologize for the formatting. It got all jacked up...)


Many people would argue that the footblock is considered as a "dangerous play." The likelyhood for the thrower to injure themselves via cleat to hand is pretty high when facing a mark that utilizes the foot block. As handler that constantly relies on low release throws or step outs, the possibility for injury to either my hand or arm is a considerable issue, however on the defensive side, the foot block is one of those "tricks" that the marker can throw at the handler in almost an element of surprise. There's more technique in it that most people would think, but a point block is a point block, and you know it feels good when you D a disc mere miliseconds after it is released.

1. Positioning

Getting a foot-block isn't merely getting your foot out in the path of the frisbee. From my experience, it requires a little bit of observation, and set-up. Starting from body position.

Every handler you face will be different. Some have the high relase, some got the low release, and some got those nasty step-out low releases that reduce your mark to string cheese. On a force-flick situation, a lot of young marks will position too close to the open side, allowing an easy step around break. You wanna position yourself more to the break side, making the around throw harder. Where does the foot block come in? The most ideal throw to utilize the foot block would actually be the IO flick break. It's generally a very quick release from the handler and from most players, will be a lower release that will fly by the mark around shin height and level out for the receiver. Position yourself too far to the open side, the mark will have a more difficult IO throw, but you will get beat on the around.

It is definitely easier to get a fooblock on a backhand break as the motion is a bit slower. In this case, it's back to body positioning and allowing him zero ground in achieving what you're trying to prevent.

2. Quick feet

There is no way you should EVER be on your heels on the mark. A good mark should constantly be moving side to side, shuffling, on their toes. Constant movement on your toes will allow a higher likelyhood of a foot block because a foot block is simply a quick kick up into the path of the disc, which is set up through quick feet. Try this: Stand there idly, on your heels, not moving. Now try a quick kick block. To do so requires a weight shift to the off foot, your body almost has to turn and square up to the side you're blocking, and it's slow as heck. Not ideal. If you move on your toes and allow yourself quick movement UP on your toes... the kicking motion will be quicker and less awkward; in addition to the fact that you won't lose any positioning through unneccessary weight transfer. Quick quick feet. Good!

3. The Motion

The kick block should not be something that you over-commit to. You will see people kick-block as if they're kicking a ball or something and/or just holding their leg out there... hoping that the thrower will throw it right into theirleg. That's incorrect technique and you'll look pretty stupid afterwards when the mark just swings around and breaks you. The kick block should be just a quick *snap* upwards, and then down and back on your toes. A quick kick up and then back down. The kick shouldn't be higher than your waist level and can be as effective at ankle height. I remember getting one foot block by simply pointing my toe upwards, while keeping my heel on the ground. It was surprising but the more important thing was that I didn't yield my position and had the guy not throwin that, I would still be in optimal

position to establish the mark and continue the stall count.

The only time I can legitimize foot blocking about waist level is if you're desperately trying to stop a full field huck that you're more than 80% sure the guy will throw. It's all about reading what the thrower wants and if you see that huge wind up on the backhand for the power-position huck and you're chasing/catching up. Just friggin Liu kang dragon Shadow-kick that disc out of the sideline. The quick foot movement should just be a snap up, and you almost slam your foot back down to the pitch and stay in your toes. It's very quick, and it takes a lot of energy, so you'll see less of this motion and more of those high kicks as the mark gets fatigued. The point is... don't get yourself caught up with your leg up in the air. It'll get some laughs from people, and with all your weight on one leg, you're gonna be out of position and your mark undressed.

4. Intimidation

This is gonna be the shortest tid bit here. If you establish the fact that you have a legitimate foot block and/or have several throwing lanes covered by your super foot. You will get into the handler's mind. From my own experience, I get footblocked throwing a quick IO flick or blocked on an around backhand, the best thing to do offensively is to continue throwing it and regaining that lane. But that knowledge that your mark has it has already gained residence in my mind and it'll reflect in my throws. Instead of releasing lower, the adjustment might be a higher release and tougher throws. Whatever it is, if you establish it, they will respect it. Nuff said.

5. Celebrate

After you get that foot block, celebrate by taking off and scoring the bookends. Or you can just wait for the stack to set up, and then score the bookends. Whatever it is. You just shut down the thrower before anyone knew wherethe heck they were throwing. It's not easy getting foot blocks but the sound of plastic smacking your cleat means defense becomes offense. Which leads to breaks, and wins.

Till next time

hammie #10

yea... knee to the chest on this one. Not a good way to foot block...