How to Train a Soccer Defender

Conditioning, training and skills development provide the basic groundwork for successful participation at all levels of soccer. Training players on specific positions, including defensive positions such as sweeper and outside fullback, provides them with the skills necessary to grow into a position and excel. Proper training addresses individual skill and progress in support of the team.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer ball
  • Cones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build endurance and speed. Utilize training methods, including sprints and timed distance runs, to help defenders reach their fitness potential. Speed helps a defender thwart opposing attacks and breakaways, while endurance helps a defender have enough energy to match the intensity of attacking players.

    • 2

      Teach agility. Agility training allows defenders to develop and improve skills such as the ability to move side-to-side and the ability to make quick turns. Develop a defender's agility by utilizing training cones. Lay 10 cones in a zig-zag pattern. Require players tp sprint to the first cone, bend down and touch it, and then sprint backwards, by back-pedaling, to the next cone, and bending to touch it. Proceed until the defender touches all cones. EliteSoccerConditioning.com offers additional agility training exercise ideas.

    • 3

      Teach the basics of defense. Instruct defenders to keep their body in between the goal and the ball at all times. This limits the offensive players' view of the goal and decreases the chance the player can get an accurate shot on goal. Advise defenders to clear the ball to the outside. Instruct players to refrain from lunging at the ball. Lunging throws defenders off-balance and can lead to injury. Defenders should stay focused on the ball itself, not the opposing player, to avoid being thrown off-balance.

    • 4

      Encourage teamwork. Defenders must learn to rely on their goalkeeper and fellow teammates for assistance when necessary. Keepers often provide instruction as to oncoming attacks and can help lead defenders to proper defensive positions should a breakaway occur. Set up practice scenarios, including specific defensive positions for kicks and penalties awarded to the opposing team, and mock games to help encourage team communication and trust.