| The most important component in youth soccer | | | | of position and giving up territory. Don't try to do too |
| defense is to limit the field space that the offensive | | | | much, just contain the player and have confidence |
| team can work with. Your strategy should be to | | | | that the second line of defense will be doing their |
| push your opponents into a tight group where you | | | | jobs. |
| can more easily cause a turnover and go on the | | | | - The second line of soccer defense is those players |
| counterattack. It is important to be aware of any | | | | nearest the ball but not actively part of the play. |
| open spaces or lanes where an opposing player can | | | | Their job is to watch for opposing players breaking |
| break to and accept a pass. | | | | into open positions to receive a pass. They should |
| The most effective strategy is to force the | | | | also be adept at reading plays and be ready to |
| attacking team to the outside along the sidelines and | | | | intercept a pass. This second line should be trying to |
| then forming a "box" on the other three sides to pen | | | | limit the space that the attacking team can work |
| in your opponent. Some soccer defensive plays are | | | | with by forming a tight box. |
| described below, but you can also find more | | | | - The third line of soccer defense includes the soccer |
| information like free youth soccer defensive skills | | | | goalkeeper, the defense, and the sweeper. Their |
| & drills online at sites like Remember, defense | | | | task is to shut down long passes and fast breaks. |
| wins championships. | | | | They must be adept at restricting the |
| Youth Soccer Defense | | | | maneuverability of offensive players by closing any |
| There are three lines of soccer defense that a | | | | spaces quickly. With the offside rule, the defense can |
| defending team must be aware of in order to | | | | move forward and tighten up the box that you're |
| effectively close down an attack. The defending | | | | attempting to push the offense into thereby |
| soccer players must be able to quickly recognize | | | | preventing in close scoring chances. |
| whether they are a first, second, or third defender in | | | | Most importantly, teach your defensive youth soccer |
| every situation. | | | | players to never give up on the play. The offense is |
| - The first line of soccer defense is the player closest | | | | going to try to throw you off your game with |
| to the opponent with the ball. Their job is to contain | | | | deceptive offensive soccer attacking plays. Always |
| the player and prevent them from moving the | | | | be aware and be on the lookout for a give-and-go or |
| soccer ball forward. All players should be adept at | | | | a fast break and shut the opponent down before |
| pressuring their opponent without getting caught out | | | | they have a chance to attack. |