The stopper in soccer is a defensive player who might play slightly behind the outside fullbacks or slightly ahead of them behind the central midfielders. Stoppers provide coverage in the middle to prevent teams from attacking the inside area when they come down the field in an attempt to score on goal. You can educate yourself on the stopper position by learning it role and function on the soccer field.
Function
The stopper is responsible for marking any attacking midfielders or strikers who are looking to receive the ball from his teammate. When the stopper has possession of the ball, his objective is to play the ball to one of his inside midfielders or out to the wings into space for an outside midfielder to run into. Stoppers usually maintain a defensive role throughout the game but the most successful stoppers also know how to attack and create offensive chances.
Fundamental Attributes
Stoppers require strength to be courageous and aggressive when dealing with headers and making disciplined tackles. A stopper works his anaerobic system since he plays in the middle of the defensive line and performs several quick sprints to close down his attacker in a one-on-one encounter. Like goalkeepers, stoppers perform the least amount on the field in comparison with their teammates because they cover only a certain area.
Multiple Stoppers
Depending on your lineup, the coach might assign the stopper role to two center fullbacks who must establish who will pressure the attacker coming forward and who will mark the most advanced player on the opposing team. The coach might wish to keep one stopper free at all times to assume a sweeper position in which he clears the ball in an attempt to relieve pressure from the defensive third. The sweeper also might distribute the ball forward to a midfielder or striker on a counterattack in an attempt to score a goal.
Considerations
Stoppers who possess the ability to shoot, take free kicks from long range or head the ball on goal off an offensive chance in the box can get themselves involved in the offense more often. They might stay wide and communicate to their outside midfielders to cover their spots should they make a run into the attacking third to receive a ball played on the wing into open space. Stoppers who assume midfield positions require a strong aerobic and anaerobic threshold to perform several short- and long-distance sprints.
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