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Quickest transition

Quickest transition

Today, we’re breaking down the Day 15 OkLiga matchup between Barça and Alcoi. The game ended 4-3 in favour of the home team.

Fun fact: we analysed the reverse fixture (Alcoi vs Barça) a few months ago, title Forcing bad decitions:

Forcing Defenders’ Bad Decisions: Alcoi vs Barça Analysis | OkLiga Day 2
A breakdown of OkLiga Day 2’s tight game between Alcoi and Barça, focusing on Barça’s tactics to force defenders’ mistakes and secure a 3-4 win. Key plays and strategic highlights included.
eMeCar HockeyeMeCar Hockey

Keep reading, Aussie—I’m looking at you.

How to Follow the Breakdown:

  1. Watch the video.
  2. Read the analysis.
  3. Match it with the play (start at 1:37).

My Not-So-Humble Analysis

Today, we’re doing something special—focusing on one of the quickest transitions you’ll see. Our main character? Pablito Álvarez. It’s surprising we haven’t talked about him more often.

Ball Circulation

The video doesn’t capture it perfectly, so here’s a quick breakdown of Barça’s setup before the transition.

They’re using a tactical approach we’ve discussed before—the accordion. Against tight defences, this strategy helps stretch the defence and create space at 9.

Here’s how it works:

  • Barça moves the ball between 4 and 7, playing a 3-on-3 situation.
  • The 4th player positions themselves at 0 or near the halfway line.
  • This 4th player is key for three reasons:
    1. Balances the defence against a counterattack.
    2. Pulls a defender away from the ball area.
    3. If the defence stays compact, they can attempt a long-distance shot.

The Play

Now, let’s get into the video.

Marc Grau (Barça Nº28) controls the ball behind the cage under Alcoi’s pressure but loses possession. At this moment, both teams are already anticipating the transition—Alcoi is gearing up to attack, and Barça is positioning to recover.

Here’s the setup:

  • One Barça player is out of the video frame at halfway.
  • Eloi Cervera (Barça Nº72) is on the same side as the ball, preparing to mark an attacker.

The Transition

This is where Pablo Álvarez (Barça Nº7) steps in. Positioned in the middle of the area, he rushes to pressure the ball carrier.

Key moment:

  • Pablo forces the attacker to turn his back, completely shutting down Alcoi’s transition.
  • Meanwhile, Marc Grau—always aware of the ball—positions himself at 9, completely free.

Pablo wins the ball back and, as expected, Grau is already at the penalty spot, ready to strike.

One pass. Two quick touches. Goal.

A textbook defensive recovery and rapid transition, executed to perfection.

Takeaway

This play is a masterclass in defensive awareness, positioning, and execution. From Pablo’s defensive stop to Grau’s clinical finish, it’s a reminder of how quickly a game can change in roller hockey.

Grab a stick & keep skating!