Do You Actually Know the Difference? Block vs Curtain, plus Indirect Curtain and Indirect Block

If you play futsal, you have definitely heard the terms "block" and "curtain."

You may have a rough idea of what they mean, but can you clearly tell the difference?

For people who already understand them, this may seem obvious, but surprisingly few people can explain the difference perfectly.

This article gives a thorough explanation of the difference between blocks and curtains, along with their tactical purpose.

The difference between a block and a curtain

To explain the difference, let us assume the situation above, where the fixo passes the ball to the ala.

Curtain (cortina)

A curtain is a play where you move across in front of the opponent.

It temporarily weakens the opponent's pressure and helps support the player on the ball.

After making the curtain, it is extremely important to turn your body quickly so you are facing in a way that lets you see the whole court.

That makes it possible to receive the ball again with a pisada (heel) pass.

If you do not adjust your body position, you will lose sight of the ball and be unable to react to the pisada pass.

Not many people say it in Japan, but a curtain is also called a cortina.

Block (screen)

A block is a play where you stop in the defender's path and get in the way.

This prevents the defender from fully pressing the ball carrier, so like a curtain, it helps support the player in possession.

Just like with a curtain, after making the block you should quickly rotate your body and set yourself so you can receive the ball again with a pisada.

When making a block from the front, the best practice is to cross your arms to absorb the opponent's momentum (speed).

There is a risk that the defender will slip around you, but if you block with your back to the opponent and stick your hips out, you can prevent a face-to-face collision.

It also helps you keep a body position that allows you to receive the ball again, so it is better to be conscious of blocking this way whenever possible.

In basketball, a block is called a screen.

Indirect block and indirect curtain

Indirect curtain

An indirect curtain is an action where an off-ball player moves between another off-ball teammate and that teammate's marker before the teammate receives the ball, helping the teammate control the pass.

If we call this kind of curtain that supports an off-ball teammate an indirect curtain, then a curtain that supports the ball carrier could be called a direct curtain. In practice, almost nobody actually says that.

Indirect block

In the same way as an indirect curtain, the action of blocking the marker of an off-ball player is called an indirect block.

If we call this kind of block that supports an off-ball teammate an indirect block, then a block that supports the ball carrier could be called a direct block. In practice, almost nobody actually says that.

Summary

Even among people who understand the difference between a block and a curtain, very few are conscious of body orientation as well.

Just focusing on that alone can make you stand out in competitive futsal.

Try to be aware of it in your regular training.