A Guide to Individual Soccer Defending

When playing as soccer defender your main task iswith it (shooting, passing to a near standing
to stop your opponents from getting into the 18teammate, dribbling etc).
yard box. How you stop them doesn’t actuallyAs a defender you will also need to play aggressively
matter. However, you should avoid playing to toughand act fast. However, you need to analyze every
as you may get punished by the referee with yellowsituation closely and try to figure out the best
and red cards. You should not either keep your eyessolution for it. Practiced defenders will have easier to
on the ball mainly, your focus should be primarily onwin a situation if they have faced it many times
your opponent.before than someone that is new to soccer.
The biggest mistake you can do as defender is toAs a defender you will not only be responsible for
only keep your eyes on the ball. Have you everclearing the ball and stopping your opponent from
noticed how professional player are reacting whengetting into the 18 yard box. You will also need to
they face an opponent 1 vs 1? They are not lookingstart offensive attacks, find your forwards with long
at the ball primarily, instead they try to figure outpass, and try to score during the corner kicks.
what their opponent will do and the best method forYou will also need to have good physical abilities.
stopping him.Playing soccer will require big physical efforts from
Keep in mind also that your task is to stop theyou. It is therefore important to live like a soccer
defender from getting around you and not stoppingdefender. Living like a soccer defender includes eating
the ball. The ball will always be faster than you butright, sleeping well, resting properly and so on.
your opponent will not. Of course you are notAs a soccer defender you should always try to
supposed to use some unfair methods for stoppingperform your best whether it is a practice or Cup
your opponents but giving him a little push to get himFinal. This will help you maintain your focus and
lose his balance is allowed.develop your skills. You should never get satisfied
Marking your opponents tightly is also crucial whilejust because you have played well. Try to analyze
playing as defender. The best way for doing that isyour game and find out what mistakes you have
to stand near him and make him realize that you aredone. Note them down and try to correct them in
just behind. By doing this he will get much moreyour next game.
difficult to receive the ball and do something useful