Defending



1. The defender's task is to defend the goal. This means to keep the ball and attackers as far away from it as possible. (Know the offside rules).

2. The defender has to 'mark' opposing players, This means stand near to the attacker and between him/her and our goal. Defenders also have and 'cover' for other defenders, and to 'cover' space.

3. Much of the defender's work can be done before the opponent receives the ball. In order of priority:
· The defender should first consider intercepting the pass, then:
· Get behind the opponent before there's time for him or her to turn with the ball,
  and if the opponent has turned,
· try to delay the forward progress of the ball.



Basics of defending [IMPORTANT]:

Most defenders get beaten by the attacker by jumping into the tackle too early. Important skills a defender must learn are how to ' track’ and ‘jockey' an attacker. This means running with him and directing him, when he has the ball, into ‘dead areas’. (Areas such as near the corners where he cannot score from, and where it is difficult for him to pass).

4. Defenders should work as a unit therefore they must talk to each other, tell each other of dangers and help each other. (See 9)

5. Dribbling and turning is dangerous for defenders. They should not do it at all! (See 9)

6. The defender should pass the ball as soon as practicable, preferably to the midfield or attack, but always the way they are looking. For now, this means that defenders should never attempt to turn with the ball. (The ball is lost 95% of the time a player turns)

7. When we are on the attack the defenders must 'push up' to the halfway line.

8. Each defender must know his/her area of operation and stick to it.

9. The best defensive strategy is to win the ball as near to the opponents goal as possible. This can happen if the team retains a compact shape. A compact formation makes three important things possible for a defending team.
· It means the player with the ball can be challenged quickly. This prevents him,
  or at least delays him, from playing the ball forward.
· The challenging player immediately has defensive support .
· Players are available to track opponents making forward runs.

The chances of conceding a goal will be reduced further if players defending in and around their own penalty area can achieve the following four objectives.
· Being first to the ball.
· Clearing with height, distance and width
· Defending the area of the far post. (Where most goals are scored!)
· Not getting caught in possession in the defending third of the field (See 5&6
  above)