How to Improve Defense in Soccer

There are some great soccer players at all levels that end up only being able to play striker because they can't defend. Good defense can separate the good teams from the best ones and can create very confident play during close games.Especially in youth leagues, coaching good defense can make your team competitive immediately. Here is how to coach your team to play more effective defense.

Instructions

    • 1

      Understand the importance of shape. You may play zone or you may play man or you may play both, but no matter what type of defense your team runs, you can't get anything done if you don't have a good shape. There are a number of drills you can use to make your defense keep its shape. The most popular are 6-on-4 drills and other small sided games in a grid. Always make sure your defenders are cognizant of the positioning of the rest of the team. If a player knows the whereabouts of his team mates, his defense will improve.

    • 2

      Improve communication. When you think of communication in soccer, you think of offense. But the truth is that you need to engender early and clear communication on defense. Usually, the defender attacking the ball will be trying to channel the attacker, not steal the ball. The other defenders should be telling her in which direction to channel the attack. Marking requires calling out your mark and sometimes telling your teammates where to mark. During a trap or double team, you will often have to tell your team mate where you are.In all situations, the defensive players that talk to each other the most will be the most organized and successful.

    • 3

      Stress marking. Your players must know who to mark. Run drills where marking is the primary objective of the defense. Sometimes, you can even stop your practice to call a free kick when one isn't warranted, to help the defense practice marking quickly.You have to make sure your goalkeeper is talking to the players, and that your players are marking goalside (standing in between the player and the ball).

    • 4

      Rehearse one-on-one situations. There are times when communication, proper marking and keeping a good shape lead to one-on-one battles. When that happens, you need to know your defenders wont get beat. To win one-on-one situations, your defender must have the right stance: low to the ground, with a distinct front foot. This will cut off half the attacker's options.