Football Defending Tips

1. Use the Offside Trap

The offside trap can be extremely effective against teams that play through balls to a fast forward.

To perform an offside trap, one player (usually the center back) signals and every defender moves forward. Signal for an offside trap a few seconds before the ball is passed.

Even if you don’t use an offside trap regularly, you should still be aware of offside. One defensive player should never be far behind other teammates. Hold a strong line to prevent forwards and wingers from getting behind the line easily while avoiding getting called for offsides.

2. Call for a double team

A double team is effective when used correctly.

Call for a double team when the attacker is in a tight spot, like near the sideline, or doesn’t have good support (for instance, a single forward going down the middle without supporting runs).

3. Tell teammates who to mark

If you notice an unmarked opposing player, immediately tell a teammate to mark him.

Sometimes teammates get preoccupied with the ball and leave players open. Prevent an easy goal by keeping on the lookout for open players and informing your teammates.

4. Delay effectively

Defenders often focus too much on tackling. Delaying an attacker effectively can be just as effective.

When you delay an attacker, your teammates have time to get back and mark their man. As a result, the attacker usually has little options and will make a bad pass.

5. Learn the defensive header

Head the ball far and wide when you are in the defensive half. 

6. Don’t be afraid to foul

Never tackle with the intent to injure. Having said that, do not be afraid to get called for a foul.

When you worry about fouling, you defend less aggressive.

Fouls will happen. They often don’t cause harm to your team. You will be much more effective playing aggressive and getting called for fouls occasionally than playing timid and avoiding fouls.

7. Keep your anger and frustration under control

I’m still amazed at how often advanced players commit pointless fouls (often resulting in yellow and red cards) simply because they lose control of their emotions.

Soccer can be frustrating. You will get angry. You can let your anger and frustration get the better of you and hurt your team, or you can use it as motivation to play better.

Tell yourself “I will not let my anger control me. I will use it as motivation to succeed.”

Control your anger and frustration and you will defend better.