Be a Good Soccer Defender

Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the goalkeeper, and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal.

Steps

Playing Tips

  1. Anticipate the ball's movement and get there before your opponent. Even a slight touch, if the ball is moving at high speed, can cause the player to lose control of the ball or force the player to slow down, earning your team valuable time.
  2. If you know you won't be able to take the ball from an attacker, stay in between the ball and goal. This will take away his shot and force him to pass or drop.
  3. Be secure if you play at wing back. The attacking team will try to push down the wings. Ask for assistance from center backs if you must.
  4. When your team has a corner and you are staying back, keep a couple of yards between you and the opponent's striker. This is important because if you are right behind them, and they are given the ball, they can easily turn you and they'll be right on goal. It is easier to put in a tackle the second they turn, when you are a bit behind them.
  5. Never watch the ball be aware on where the attackers are and what they are doing around you, other cases BE ALERT!

Training Tips

  1. A defender needs to run. If you clear a ball faster you have more time to score. Every second counts. Improve your running skills e.g run a short distance every day. It works!
  2. When you get the ball, quickly pass it. This helps you clear the ball and make a quick counter attack.
  3. Always look at the ball. This way, you will reduce the chances of being fooled by the opponent's tricks.
  4. Never shoot the ball across the center. Always shoot the ball towards the wings.
  5. Be secure as a wing back. The attackers will push down the wings. At that time, you're the person who could decide your team's fate!
  6. Remember to predict where the player will hit or dribble the ball next, you need to be very clever.
  7. If your teammates need help but don't call you, use your common sense and put a tackle in hard. Take good tackles for granted. Do more of them. Make sure you stay with your mark.

General Advice

  1. Sleep early the night before a match so you are well rested.
  2. Eat healthy food and do not eat too much junk food. Always be active for at least 30 minutes a day or more.
  3. Watch football matches and observe the defenders. Read books that famous defenders have written.
  4. Be tough. Play aggressively. Always go for the ball, not for the player. This could get you a yellow or even a red card. Never be afraid to be aggressive!
  5. Remember to always have good sportsmanship. If a player falls, help them get up; if a referee makes a bad call (unless any strategic place, like the penalty box, or if you risk a yellow or red) don't argue, he's a person too and can make mistakes; if the other team scores a particularly good goal, congratulate them; if the referee mistakes a foul you made for fair play, correct them. It will earn you more respect and a good reputation. Shake hands with the other team at the end of each game. .

Tips

  • There are 4 kinds of defenders:

    • Center-back. The center back has to clear the ball out of the penalty area and help the rest of the defenders.
    • The sweeper, or libero, is a defender who does not mark a man. He assists other defenders and clears the ball. Sweepers are mostly the best defenders and they can tackle,pass and they can read the game very well.
    • The full back marks a man and prevents the opposition from entering the penalty box and from scoring.
    • Wingbacks. There are 2 wingbacks one on the left side and one on the right. They mark the wingers who attack on the left and right side.
  • If You Don't Have Ball Stay Your Position
    • It does not matter where you play. A good defender can play on any of these positions.
  • Move up when the ball is on the opponents' side don't just stand around the goal.
  • Be commanding as a centre back. This creates awareness and alertness among midfielders who can assist in marking.
  • For wing backs, focus on the opponents wings, they always try to cut in.
  • Defenders usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are defending. Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head is a possibility.
  • Sometimes when marking a player, it's better to stay a bit of distance away to beside or behind the player, so they don't notice you and you can surprise them if they get the ball. They won't be properly prepared and it will be much easier taking the ball from them.
  • When you are defending, and you are fooled by the opponents tricks and miss a tackle, don't just stand there! Try to run and keep up with the striker. Even if you can't disposes him, putting the ball out for a throw also helps your team.
  • If your opponent is fast try staying in front and not behind.
  • Study your opponents to see what their weaknesses are. Use those disadvantages against him/her.
  • Take your time in the game, don't get worried that the time will run out, observe the game and play according to your strategy.

Warnings

  • Make sure you stick to your position.
  • Keep intimidation on the offence
  • Practice and practice.
  • Do your best and enjoy football.
  • Don't make it obvious to the referee that you purposely hit the player, hit the ball, avoid the player.
  • Keep your eyes on the ball.
  • Always play fair.

Related Articles

You may like

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Be_a_Good_Soccer_Defender&oldid=286047"