Stopper is a defensive position on a soccer team. Additional terms referring to the stopper are center defender and center fullback. The defense may cover the field in a diamond formation with the stopper at the front. Flanking the stopper are two fullbacks or wide defenders covering the left and right sides. The last line of defense before the goalkeeper is the sweeper. Another formation enlists two stoppers and two wide defenders leaving out the sweeper. Occasionally they include the sweeper, bringing the total to five defenders.
Traits
Important traits for a stopper are accuracy, power and force on offense. While defending, a lack of fear and abundance of strength allow a stopper to go into a one-on-one situation without hesitation. The ability to head the ball is vital but requires practice before you're ready to take on a goal kick. The stopper cannot pull any punches during a game; preventing or intercepting strikes before they get to the keeper is his job.
Skills
Playing stopper requires excellent defensive skills and good footwork. The stopper position calls for strong ball handling skills because accurate passing is essential when playing near your own goal. Additional assets include slide-tackling aptitude, heading proficiency and dribbling capabilities, because you may find yourself with limited passing options at a time when when removing the ball from defensive territory is crucial.
Responsibilities
The stopper is responsible for heading off the advance of the opponent's offense once it breaches the defense's turf. Typically, stoppers position themselves at the top of the penalty box. Halting opposing strikers from scoring is the main objective for a stopper. Goalkeepers may recruit the stopper's help in clearing the ball, moving it forward into offensive play. Fielding goal kicks from the other team often falls on the stopper if a goalie has a strong foot.
Warnings
There are a few rules that the stopper in particular should take note of; breaking these rules may result in the stopper receiving a warning or possibly a card. Although slide tackling is an important tool in the stopper arsenal, he must use caution to avoid a foul. Pulling your opponent offside is possible but be careful -- do this by moving toward the midfield line, leaving an opponent closer to your goal than your team. Remember this only works away from the ball in play.
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