Defensive Technique

Being a good defender doesn't simply boil down to being big, strong & fast, though that clearly helps if it's an option. For most players, and especially youth players, it isn't. So we're going spend a moment discussing good defensive technique.

Be Patient and Focused

You are looking to identify and anticipating an opportunity, absolutely prowling for an opportunity to pounce.

Good Footwork Leads to Good Tackles

Stay on your toes, keep your feet moving and keep your balance, so you can shuffle and turn, or attempt a tackle.

Position Yourself Properly

Attacking someone standing straight up, head on is the surest way to get turnstiled in soccer.

Take a good angle.

Put Yourself in the Proximity to Connect

Don't Reach or Lunge. Move your feet and body to engage and connect solidly.

Continue to Read the Attacker Through the Tackle

While your approach is obviously predicated on anticipating where the attacker wants to move with the ball, you must constantly adjust in response to his motion. In other words, you don't want to make that first read and robotic-ally follow that first read when he decides to do something else. It's important to be careful in your approach, moving as quickly as possible to the extent you are under control, not at such a speed that you are unable to switch directions quickly, or blow by the play.

Use the sideline as a defender.

If you do this, you narrow his options. You do not want to get turnstiled on the sideline, but you can run him down the sideline and guide him out of bounds, choose the right moment to make your move or wait for him to make his move (it will either be inside in front of you, or an inside stop behind you). Often times an attacker will be trying to do things so quickly, they will make a mistake and that's your moment of opportunity.

Smart Fouls are an Option

Fouls can be use tactically to prevent a defensive collapse. Preferred use it higher up the field where possible, definitely not in your own box. They should also be used used judiciously and safely lest the official deliver cards aplenty.

Make Adjustments and Put the Last Play Behind You

Defenders are not afforded the luxury of pouting. At this position you are given the tough job of preventing someone with good balls skills, quick feet and great condition from moving beyond a certain point. This is not always going to go well. But it's critical that you assess what happened, make what adjustments you can on the fly, and then put that last play (bad or good) behind you. If you are focusing on what you did wrong, you're not focusing on what you need to be doing as the game moves forward without you.