Defensive players (defenders) in soccer must rely a lot on practice, instinct and physical ability to be able to protect the goal effectively. The ability to read opponents and the court is crucial, but even if you don't master it, there are several techniques that can make you a better defender. Prepare your body, mind and whatever you do, don't let the ball pass you.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Be an Effective Defender
Step 1. Develop an exercise program
Professional defenders are usually the tallest players on the team and are more solid than their counterparts. This is due to the role of defenders who aim to protect the goal at all costs. This position requires:
- Strength, both to ward off an opponent's aggressive attacks and to throw the ball away after getting it back. Do weight training on your legs to increase your kicking power and jump to head the ball. However, don't neglect your upper body strength so you can win the ball when you head into a header.
- Balance, so you can stay upright, tackle and respond to developments on the pitch. Improve your balance with specific exercises, such as squats, and strengthen your core for added stability.
Step 2. Increase cardio activity
All soccer players are high-endurance runners, especially defenders who must not get tired during a match. Develop these skills throughout your sporting career if you want to become a sensational defender.
- Some of the best cardio exercises are swimming or cycling.
- Pay more attention to foot development and performance. Strong feet will allow you to win headers easily.
- Increase the height of your vertical jump.
- Do a jump rope to practice the height of the jump.
Step 3. Raise awareness of position development in the field
Positioning is very important for every defender because poor positioning allows the opponent's shot to pass through the defense line. The defender is the last line of defense before the goalkeeper. You should always be aware of situations on the ground, including:
- Opponent's position.
- Midfielders who also add pressure to the opponent's attack.
- Opponent's line of defense.
Step 4. Polish basic skills
As a defender, you will be required to have high ball playing skills. Poor passing or control can cause the ball to be lost to the opponent and the goal to be conceded.
Drill regularly with other defenders to maintain ball handling skills and develop the ability to adapt to the different playing styles of opposing attackers
Step 5. Know what needs to be developed
Experts continue to advise paying attention to the opponent's pelvis and the ball while defending. Talented attackers have plenty of tricks to get past defenders, but you can overcome them by looking at your opponent's flanks. The pelvis often leaks the direction that the opponent will go.
It's important to always keep an eye on the ball and not be fooled by complex footwork; Attackers who rely on tricks will lose their weapons if you don't get distracted
Step 6. Cover the opponent and his approach angle
The length and width of the football field have not changed since time immemorial, and the direction of the opponent's approach has not changed. You need to train your mind to always analyze the approach of opposing players instantly. Ask yourself:
- How will he shoot at goal?
- Is there a partner who can accept the pass?
- How did his partner help his attack?
- How will his teammates shoot on goal?
Step 7. Establish your mindset
Defenders never give up, even in the worst of situations. If a team defender gives up, the goalkeeper will be left without support, which can be dangerous for the goalkeeper (both physically and scoring) and your team.
- As a defender, you'll be asked to sacrifice anything to prevent a goal, including your body.
- For example, if your opponent is going to shoot at goal, you have to be willing to put your body, legs, or even your head in the way.
- Defenders must be highly competitive with a strong will to succeed, and never give up no matter the situation.
Part 2 of 3: Defending Against Opposing Attackers
Step 1. Evaluate the opposing player's playing style
If the attacker being guarded likes to play fast and deft, it's best to use an aggressive defense and stick to him to prevent him from taking advantage of any gaps. Players who rely on tricky footwork tricks to outwit opponents can be disarmed by paying close attention to their pelvis and ball.
- You can also try to trap your opponent by deliberately opening gaps in the defense.
- If you want to try to trap your opponent, you have to check the abilities of the opposing player and yourself. Don't let him sprint faster than expected so that you are left behind and your opponent is free to shoot the ball into the goal.
Step 2. Cut attacks on goal and passes between players
First and foremost, your responsibility as a defender is to protect the goal. You always have to position yourself between your opponent and the goal, but sometimes dangerous passes into empty opponents have to be cut.
As a defender, you have to keep your guard up and make the best decisions on the pitch. If you are slow to react, the team's defense will collapse
Step 3. Limit attempts to get the ball
Sticking out your foot to try to get the ball off your opponent can upset your balance and actually give your opponent an opportunity to pass you.
Wait for the right time to grab the ball by stepping back until your opponent makes a mistake
Step 4. Adjust your hip angle and approach
Attackers can easily dodge defenders who charge straight ahead so it's best to avoid running straight at your opponent. When facing your opponent's attacker, try to approach at an angle that forces him to use your non-dominant foot.
You can ensure a proper hip angle by moving one foot forward while covering the attacking player. This will allow you to react better to developments on the pitch
Step 5. Guide the attacker into a position of stress
You can do this by cutting corners of your opponent's attacker in a way that other defenders, such as midfielders, can access. If you see a fellow midfielder approaching, adjust the angle of your cut so that the defender is also pressing the attacker you are covering.
Step 6. Communicate with fellow defenders
Defenders must always communicate clearly with goalkeepers, midfielders and other teammates. if a defender applies the offside trap, or if the position of the defenders is not in line or guarding the opposing player, he must be notified quickly and clearly.
- Defenders who want to let the ball reach the goalkeeper, or receive a pass, must make this clear.
- Get to know your partner. Communication will be easier if fellow defenders already know each other.
Part 3 of 3: Training Defensive Skills
Step 1. Practice one-on-one defense
Prepare a grid for you and your training partner that is about 7 x 20 meters long. You and your partner must each start from opposite sides of the grid, and the ball is held by the partner. Then, the partner tries to bring the ball to your side of the grid. The goals of the defender (you) are:
- Take the ball from the attacker.
- Forcing attackers off the grid.
Step 2. Try a faster two-on-two drill
You will need a larger grid. A 25 x 40 meter grid should suffice. This size allows more combination play between players to be done so that it is closer to the original match scenario. Divide 4 people into two groups of two, and both groups stand on opposite sides of the grid.
Each group must try to snatch the ball from the attacker or force him off the grid. To keep it interesting, try switching offensive and defensive roles, or switching partners
Step 3. Practice how to defend against crosses
Create a 44 x 30 meter square that represents the penalty box and goal, as well as part of the midfield. You need two teammates on the edge of the 18-metre box, two “forwards” in front of goal, and three defenders (including you).
- One of the attackers must pass the ball to one of the wingers.
- The winger will assess the pitch and once prepared, throw a cross at the attacker.
- Defenders must coordinate to stop an attack on goal and throw or recover the ball.
Step 4. Apply full defensive drill drills in the penalty area
Create a 35 x 35 meter area for exercises that include a full goal on one side. The trick, you need an attacking "team" in a 3-2 formation, with 3 midfielders and 2 attackers. The defensive “team” will require four players, including the goalkeeper, in a 3-1 formation.
- The main striker must start the drill with the ball, just on the side of the grid opposite the goal.
- The defender must try to grab the ball and throw it away or force the attacker out of the area.
