How to Play Sweeper

Not all soccer formations have a sweeper, but when the position is included it is the most important defensive role, apart from the goalkeeper's. The sweeper is in charge of the defensive team and backs up the other three defenders. He becomes the last line of defense before the goalkeeper. A sweeper needs to be fast on her feet and sharp mentally, watching the whole field of play to anticipate potential defensive breakdowns. Stamina is necessary also, as he will probably have to run for most of the game, continually filling defensive gaps and moving the ball forward.

Instructions

    • 1

      Study the offense and learn to anticipate what might happen next and how, defensively, your team needs to react. If you see gaps that could be useful for the attacking team, fill them yourself if you can get there quickly enough, or alert one of the other defenders to do it.

    • 2

      Train between soccer sessions to improve your speed and stamina. The more you run, the more you will build your stamina. Ninety minutes of almost continual running is a long time, but to be a good sweeper you will need to be as fresh toward the end of the game as you were at the beginning.

    • 3

      Develop good communication skills with your fellow defenders. You'll need to have them listen to you and understand you on the field, so get to know them. If you gel well as a team and react to defensive threats as a unit, you will be very effective.

    • 4

      Become the leader. To do this you will need for the other defenders to respect you and think you are fair. Discuss tactics with them so that they know you value their opinion and resist singling any of them out to shout at and bully. Take a supportive role instead, helping them to improve, rather than putting them down. By studying the offense and becoming good at your analytical ability they will see that you are good at your job. If they think you are fair and that you deserve your position they will respect you and listen to you on the field.

    • 5

      Work on your analytical ability continually. Watch and film games by other teams so you can study how the offense and defense works. Try and see high-level soccer games as often as you can to help you understand the game better. Being able to see the overall picture will go furthest in making you a great sweeper.