Defending Tactics (applies to all players... MAKE that crucial TACKLE!)

In soccer, learning to defend is typically much easier than learning to attack. This is because the defenders primary job is to simply dispossess the attacker. Even if the defender doesn’t gain possession of the ball, by dispossessing the attacker will allow the defenders support to close down the loose ball or cause the ball to go out of play. A key element in good defending is remembering the defenders primary role is to break down the attack. Attackers, on the flip side, typically have to be more creative to beat defenders. Simply pressuring the attacker properly will often cause the attacker to turn over possession.

When defending 1 vs 1’s in soccer it is very important to focus on the following key elements:

Staggered stance with toes at a 45 degree angle.
Bent knees with weight on the balls of the feet.
Chest leaning over the toes.
Low center of gravity for greater explosion/quick change of direction (upright takes longer to start).
Ability to shuffle quickly.
Pay attention to the distance of pressure (depends on speed of attacker vs. the speed of the defender) usually 1-3 yards

Remember that the player closest to the attacker should be the player pressuring the ball. Players should sprint to close down space as quickly as they can, then when they get 5 yards from the attacker they should slow down and take steps backwards to match the pace of the attacker. During this time, the defender should slowly close down the space between the attacker and defender. Often proper pressure will cause the attacker to lose the ball.

Another important aspect of defending is knowing when to tackle. The defender should be patient and look for the following queues to predict the right time to tackle.

Tackle when the attacker has bad touch
Tackle when the attacking team has made a mistake
Tackle when the ball is the farthest from the attacker’s foot

In addition, defenders should learn how to channel an attacker. This simply means to encourage the attacker to go a certain direction dictated by the defender. Typically channeling is done by bending the run on approaching the attacker to encourage attacker to move the ball away from the defender. Too much bend will allow the attacker to blow past defender, so the run must be bent just enough to make up the attackers mind for them. Typically we want to channel attackers for the following reasons:

Move the attacker away from the goal
Move the attacker towards the sideline
Move the attacker to play to weak foot
Move the attacker into a teammate (supporting defender)
Move the attacker away from their support

We will try out the following drills.. if we have the pitch..
Soccer Pass and Move DrillThis soccer passing drill is a great drill to teach players movement, awareness, accuracy, timing, first touch and passing with all parts of the foot. Good pass and move soccer drill.

3-Minute Shooting DrillThis soccer drill allows the coach to focus on shooting, goalkeeping and clearing balls from the back. This is a great competition that would be perfect for a warmup to a shooting or clearing practice.

The above was brought to MFC by Alan Chiang
Credits to Soccer Expert Online.