What is Obstruction?
Obstruction is a tactic used to block or interfere with an opponent’s progress in a game or competition It can involve physical maneuvers or tactics that prevent or hinder an opponent from achieving their desired goal. It is most commonly seen in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football, but can also occur in competitive activities such as debate or chess.
In some cases obstruction can be intentional, while in others it may be unintentional. Intentional obstruction is often done as an aggressive move, designed to disrupt an opponent’s strategy and throw them off their game. Unintentional obstruction occurs when an individual makes a move without considering how it might impact an opponent's play. It can also occur inadvertently when an individual is unaware of the rules or regulations governing the game or activity.
Regulations governing obstruction vary based on the sport or competition being played. In some cases, maneuvering that would normally be considered obstruction may be allowed or encouraged to a certain degree, as long as it does not impede an opponent's progress to a significant degree.
Five Examples of Obstruction
1. Football Blocking: Blocking is an integral part of offensive and defensive strategy in American football. Players use their bodies and physical contact to prevent an opposing player from gaining possession of the ball. Blocking is often done with intentional contact, though rules dictate that the contact must be within the context of the game, such as a player attempting to pursue the ball or another player.
2. Basketball Screening: Screening, also known as a pick, is a tactic used in basketball to give an offensive player an advantage by blocking the path of a defender. A screen is typically used to create space between a defender and the player they are attempting to guard.
3. Soccer Players Interfering with Opponent’s Pass: Players in soccer may interfere with an opponent’s pass in a variety of ways. This may include standing in the way of a player’s intended pass, using their body to make it difficult to pass, or even making contact with a player’s foot before they can pass the ball.
4. Debaters Stopping the Flow of Argument: In debate competitions, one tactic for preventing an opponent from making their argument is to disrupt the flow of the debate by speaking over them or making loud outbursts. Interrupting an opponent’s argument can be done intentionally to prevent their point from being heard, or unintentionally out of distraction or frustration.
5. Chess Interference: In chess, a player may interfere with their opponent’s move by making their own move first, or by deliberately putting their pieces in a position that blocks the oppositions movements. This type of obstruction can be used strategically to create an advantage, or to simply disrupt an opponent’s strategy.