Defending Basics – 1

When I get a new group of players I always break down defending to the very basics. I have coached high level division 1 men’s soccer players who don’t have any idea how to defend well. On the flip side, I’ve seen high school players move to the college level and be so good at defending that their college coach couldn’t keep them off the field.

Here is a session that breaks down some of the basics of how defending can be coached to a team. There is a difference between how forwards and pressing players defend compared to how defenders defend. Defenders on the back line must be more patient than a winger pressing. This session focuses on being patient and forcing a mistake from the attacker. It also emphasizes forcing wide when defending. Remember that there is no “perfect” way to do things and coaches can adjust and change the way things are done based on their preferences and their talent. As an example, Clemson Men’s Soccer, recent National Champions, tends to force players towards the middle of the field.

A follow on post will demonstrate an exercise that can be used to show players how to “press” effectively.