How to Defend in Soccer

Defending in Soccer is hard but can done effectively by following the advice given in this article. Most coaches will tell you that a good defense is a good offense. What they should tell you is that a good offense starts with a good defense.

Instructions

    • 1

      Defending in Soccer requires each defender to know his or her position. The goalie is the most important and most valuable defensive tool not only because they can use their hands but because they are the last thing standing in the way of the ball and your team's goal. If you are the goalie you need to use you voice to direct your defense to best help you from letting a goal get past you. Get back, who to mark, which way to shift, push up, Keeper's ball, are all commands you must yell out to let your teammates know you are in control and can see what needs to be done.

    • 2

      If your left or right defender you need to use the out of bounds line to steer the opposing team where you want them to go. Give fast players a cushion but step up and always pressure the ball when you can. Use other defenders to double team and know where your offensive players are when you get possession of the ball. Your pass to the midfield or forwards will often determine the success of your team. Try to play to their feet or into open spaces. Through balls and over the top balls are effective passing methods but requires significant skill.

    • 3

      Read each player and learn their weaker foot. Most players like to go one way more often and you should try to steer them on to their weaker side. This will allow you to have a greater chance of stopping them assuming that the weaker side means that they will have less ball control. Force players to kick and pass with their left foot if they are predominately right footed or their right if they are left footed.

    • 4

      Good Soccer defenders don't stab at the ball but rather position themselves to be close enough to trap or kick the ball out into safety. Stabbing at the ball will cause your body to become off balance and if you miss the ball the opposing offense will likely now have several steps on you and be able to advance up the field or have a shot on goal. Anticipation is also a big part defense, seeing when a player telegraphs a pass or indicates with their body movement as to what they are going to do.