How To Play As A Defender In Soccer

Defenders may not always garner as much glory as flashier players on the soccer team, but exemplary play does get noticed. Hall of Fame defender Eddie Pope played in three World Cups for the U.S., won election to the Major League Soccer All-Stars four times and -- unusual for a defender -- didn't hesitate to put in game-winning goals in big games. You as well can strive to be a complete player who shines at defense, stopping attacks by opponents and leading the countercharge.

Step 1

Position yourself between your opponent and the goal, using your body as a shield, which coaches call "remaining goal-side." "The first thing that a lot of people seem to forget is that a defender's main purpose is to prevent the other team from scoring," says Wes Harvey, former coach of the men's soccer team at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. "The most basic method to play as a defender is remain goal-side of the player with the ball at all times." Run alongside or slightly in front of the attacker, shuffling in a side step as necessary, to maintain the goal-side position.

Step 2

Make an exception to the goal-side positioning if your defensive leader, typically the center fullback or sweeper, calls for the offside trap. Maintain a straight line across the field with your position aligned with that of the sweeper's. If an opposing attacker runs past you to receive a pass, let her go; the referee will likely rule her offside, and your team regains the ball. "There are tricks like the offside trap where you don't remain goal-side," Harvey says.

Step 3

Observe the opposing players in front of you and on either side. Watch their field positions as well as the positions of defenders to anticipate the most likely passing lane for the player with the ball. When the ball handler passes, sprint to intercept the ball and work it upfield as part of an instant transition to offense.

Step 4

Move near the opponent's goal on corner kicks to attempt to score on a header or a rebound. Especially if you are a tall defender, this is your chance to use your height in the air and get a chance to score. "While you need to use any method within the rules to prevent your opponents from scoring, this does not mean that defenders should not participate in a team's scoring," Harvey advises.

Tips and Warnings

Work as a unit with the rest of the defense, which typically consists of a right and left fullback, a sweeper and a second central fullback who plays in front of the sweeper and is called a stopper on some teams. If you are new to soccer, ask the coach what he expects of your position. Maintain your positioning so that you are not too far from the midfielders in front or you or the defenders to either side; you need to be able to serve as a link in a chain of passes. Listen to instructions from your goalkeeper as well as the sweeper, which may include directions on who to "mark" or defend against and whether to quickly clear the ball out of danger or to instead control it and patiently work it upfield.