Defending 101 – Keeping the ball in front of you!

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - 11:00
Madeline

Customer Service & Admin Specialist


One of the most important defensive skills a player can learn is how to properly mark an opponent. Even for someone who is new to soccer or just learning how to defend, it is very hard to score on player who has positioned themselves well.

Defending Basics:

  1. Close down space. Higher pressure often forces a player to make mistakes. By approaching your opponent with the ball you force them into having to make a decision quicker or hopefully have them “cough up the ball”.
  2. Defend at an angle. Defending at an angle forces your opponent with the ball to move in the direction you want them to - away from the centre of the field or to their weaker foot.
  3. Defensive stance. Stay on your toes, bend your knees a little, and be ready to run!
  4. Goal side. To be goal side means you are positioned between the attacking player and your goal. If you are goal side of the attacking player, you are in a position to stop them from taking a shot on net.

Pro-Tip – anticipate the play! If you see that your team is about to lose possession of the ball, get goal-side as quickly as you can. Don’t just watch the play, get into your defensive position early!