Jockeying is a soccer play or strategy during which the goal is to slow down or stop an opponent with the ball. ExpertFootball.com says that the goal of jockeying -- and of skillful defenders in general -- is to limit, slow down and prevent a ball carrier's direct route to the goal. Learning to jockey in soccer requires some practice and specific methods to make sure you stay between your opponent and the goal.
Step 1
Keep your body between your opponent and the goal, and stay within arm's reach of your opponent. Be prepared to move with your opponent, but do not lunge at him. In other words, mirror the ball carrier and do not let him get by you.
Step 2
Bend your knees, stay on the balls of your feet, lean forward and watch the ball as you jockey. Avoid positioning yourself straight in front of the ball carrier, but rather turn your hips slightly toward the sideline. Facing the defender straight up allows her to run by you or put the ball between your legs, but turning at a slight angle eliminates those possibilities. The slight turn toward the sideline also helps force the ball that way, which is a goal in jockeying.
Step 3
Backpedal if your opponent moves sideways, but turn and run if he is advancing past you. This keeps you ready for a quick change in direction or speed, and prepares you to run if your opponent passes the ball to a teammate.
Step 4
Force your opponent toward the sideline, if possible, and off her intended path. Forcing her to the sideline limits space and the opportunities to pass to a teammate. Better Soccer Coaching says you should also try to force your opponents to move laterally instead of up the field, force them away from the goal and force them to kick the ball with their weak foot.
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