| The fullback in soccer is not an easy position to play. | | | | you get beaten then you’re going to need some |
| Great responsibility rests on your shoulders. To play | | | | speed to catch your opponent. Your opponent will do |
| this position well, it helps to possess strength, guile | | | | everything to score, so you must be prepared to |
| and accuracy. It also helps to have speed however it | | | | give everything you have to stop them from doing |
| is not as important as the previous three skills. The | | | | that. |
| fullback plays in the centre of the defensive line and | | | | When it’s your job to do everything to stop the |
| this position is often referred to as centreback. | | | | opposition from scoring, this may mean intentionally |
| With the most common formation of 4-4-2 the team | | | | or unintentionally getting a yellow or even red card. |
| plays with two fullbacks. The Fullback is the most | | | | Fullbacks have more of these cards than any other |
| defensive oriented position on the soccer field and | | | | position that is played. To avoid yellow and red cards |
| the primary role is to shut out the forwards of the | | | | try always to figure out your opponent’s next |
| opposition team. | | | | move and don’t rush |
| A fullback remains in the back line and rarely pushes | | | | Instead of rushing in to make a tackle, stand up, |
| forward. A fullback may push foreword for a corner. | | | | relax and watch the ball. This will often take your |
| You will often see a fullback score a header from a | | | | opponent by surprise and may confuse him into |
| corner. There may also be opportunities to move | | | | making a mistake. This will be your opportunity to |
| forward when making an interception and following | | | | take the ball away from them, and getting your |
| through into open space. | | | | team on the attack. |
| Generally a fullback will use his or her strength when | | | | Possessing good technique is necessary when playing |
| marking the opposition forward, jostling for the ball or | | | | fullback. Watching players who play in your position is |
| getting up for a header. Guile is needed to read the | | | | a great way to learn technique. Great fullbacks to |
| play of the opposition team and to react quickly to | | | | watch are Fabio Cannavaro, John Terry, Carlos Puyol |
| intercept passes. Accuracy is needed to time your | | | | and Rio Ferdinand to name but a few. |
| tackles and get the ball off the opposition player. If | | | | Get out there and stop those attackers! |