| Defense is probably the most strategic job on the | | | | is preferred over an attempted tackle. By being |
| field. If no goals are scored, you obviously cannot | | | | approximately goal-side, it is meant that an effective |
| lose the soccer match. When the defense is strong, | | | | cross from near the goal line will be pulled back |
| it enables the forward seeking players (the offense | | | | towards the penalty spot and out of reach of the |
| or attackers) to remain further up field to better | | | | goalkeeper. This angle must be compensated for by |
| concentrate on attacking properly, thus leaving the | | | | the defender. |
| defensive job to the defending specialists | | | | Reminder: When one observes a defender that is |
| (defenders). | | | | chasing a dribbling opponent in front of the goal, that |
| In contrast, when there are many dangerous | | | | defender is out of position. |
| disturbances in front of your defending goal, the | | | | This is what not to do: |
| offensive team often holds back to assist the | | | | 1. Only watch the ball and not the attacker's feet |
| defenders. Moments later, when a counter attack | | | | when opposing a dribbling attacker--a good dribbler is |
| occurs, these forward players must make a sixty, | | | | tricky |
| seventy or more yard (or meter) run at top speed | | | | 2. To be so far up field that recovery to a proper |
| up field, depleting their energy. After a long run | | | | defensive position is difficult |
| upfield, an exhausted dribbling forward often panics | | | | 3. To tackle the ball under the control of the dribbler |
| causing mistakes. This also means that supporting | | | | (when there is no back up defender). This is |
| players, not "carrying" the ball, often do not stay on | | | | especially important in attempting to dislodge the ball |
| line with the ball as it travels upfield. Then, near the | | | | away via a slide tackle: A defender on the ground is |
| goal, if and when the ball is crossed in front of the | | | | useless. A slide tackle in this situation looks good |
| goalmouth, it is often heard exclaimed, "no one was | | | | when accomplished, but when missed, a dangerous |
| there!" But when defenders know and do their jobs | | | | situation has occurred. If a goal is scored, the blame |
| thoroughly, the forwards can concentrate on their | | | | falls upon the defender on the ground. |
| specialty and goals are more often scored. | | | | 4. To cover for another out-of-position defender and |
| Note: That is not to say that the mid-fielders are not | | | | thus leave your own zone unprotected (the |
| to help out on defense. Their job is to be both | | | | exception would be--to prevent a goal in an |
| defensive and offensive. | | | | emergency situation) |
| When defending the goal each defender should "pick | | | | 5. To be out of position such that it becomes |
| up" an opponent in his or her zone, to prevent the | | | | necessary to chase the opponent that is racing |
| necessity of chasing an opponent racing towards the | | | | towards the goal. |
| goal. Being the second-to-the-last person on the | | | | Further Notes: |
| defensive line (the goalkeeper being last), it is | | | | 1. Usually soccer training is conducted by centering |
| extremely important to: | | | | the training practices on attacking. It is vital that equal |
| 1. Position oneself between the opponent (with or | | | | time is spent on defensive tactics, application and |
| without the ball) and the goal--in one's zone | | | | practice [ |
| 2. Leave the offside trap to the professionals as it | | | | 2. I have seen professional players (and others) |
| often backfires | | | | attempt to dislodge (tackle) the ball in and around the |
| 3. Remain goal-side of the opponent | | | | front of the goal, miss the tackle and then observe |
| 4. Back up with a dribbling attacker while always | | | | the ball in the back of the net. |
| screening a potential shot at the goal; thus allowing | | | | 3. It should be emphasized that neutralizing an |
| the goalkeeper to better assess where the shot on | | | | attacking opponent from getting into a scoring |
| goal will go | | | | position can be considered the best defense of all: |
| 5. Only tackle the ball after the dribbler has lost | | | | This defensive measure should be rated highly even |
| control of it | | | | though this individual may only make a few contacts |
| 6. Defend against a cross by positioning one self to | | | | with the ball. |
| always remain approximately goal-side of the ball--this | | | | |