Fellow Soccer Defenseman: Tips on playing better defense in soccer.?

Question

I play soccer and I am getting whooped by strikers on defense. I need help in the following areas. Tips, advice and even web sites that reference techniques will be greatly appreciated.

How do I play the most effective/efficient defense in the following scenarios:

1. Covering a right footed striker heading towards the goal on the left side of the field? right side of the field?

2. When the attack out numbers me, two strikers on a two on one, how do I commit.

3. How do I cover a player stalling, dribbling in order to stall the game or withold possession from our team as if they are trying to rest? tips on stealing a ball when the defender's back is facing me.

4. When there is a faster, right footed striker heading towards the goal and I'm the last line of defense in the final 30 yards or so, how do I cover? do I stay on his outside or inside as he is approaching me.

Answer 1

wow....
1.always stay goal side ( be between the goal and opponet)
2. jockey them....like don't commit....just back peddle...and then pressure the one w/ the ball a little...
but stay between both players....again stay goal side.... but if u feel that the opponet is gonna loose the ball then commit and take the ball.....if you miss....run ur butt off and do after them....slide tackle if neccessary....also make sure someone got ur back....

3.well...if they are stalling.....keeping runing...up into them.....keep the pressure on...like stand behind them and legs apart....for balance....yeah soo stand behind them....keep nudging them forward....to go out of bounds...try getting the ball from between their legs....extend your legs...to get the ball.
4.again stay goal side....and follow him...on the inside....stay five yards close to him....when he gets ready for the shot...jump in front of him...slide tackle....watch for the cut back......u just have to see how ur opponet plays...like if they are the type that just sprints down the side ....follow them....if they are the type that goas down full speed...then stops and cuts...in thats...when you have stay on top of them...but don't go after soooo fast....and don't commit soo soon cause they can...juke you.....


ok well I have told you all I know....at this moment....feel free to email me if you have any more questions

Answer 2

1. Covering strikers when the ball is in wide positions requires good positioning. You need a position which allows you to see the ball but also to see your man.

If he darts to the near post, you need to see him make his move and also have a yard on him to beat him to the ball.
If he peels off to the far post you need good positioning to intercept the potential ball over to him.

2. When you have 2 attackers breaking on you, you first need to understand you are in a losing situation, the only thing you can do is try to make it as hard as possible. You do this by not commiting yourself too early. First, try to cut out the easy pass, this will force the ball carrier to either shoot from afar or carry the ball longer. It is then a matter of timing, u have to decide when is the right time to close the ball carrier down. Generally speaking, the later the better without giving him a free shot or pass, make it as hard as possible.

3. No one individual can perform what you ask in number 3, this has to be a sustained team effort in closing down. Constantly putting opponents under pressure will hopefully force them into a mistake.

4. If you are aware your opponent has one strong foot, try to keep him on the other other one. That is unless forcing him onto his stronger foot will force him so wide he will be unable to use it.

Above all, you need to build your own game, you play to your strengths and let the opposition worry about you.

Hope you can take something from this.

Answer 3

I've played left-back for 12 years. Jockey attacking players out to the wing. You've done your job if they have to shoot from 20 yards or more, and they don't get a cross in. Don't tackle until they make a mistake, if they don't, don't tackle, just prevent a pass forward or a cross in. If you have to clear the ball, just boot it away, as long as it reaches the half-way line, that's fine(if you have space, TRY to make a pass to midfielders). The best thing to do is throw the ball forward, there's no pressure on the thrower to lose the ball, the pressure is on your teammate to win the header. The most important thing about being a defenders is winning every header that comes your way, and act hard to the opposition ;)

Answer 4

what u need to so is contain the player when u are the last line of defense. If the player is faster give them space.