While Forwards or Midfielders get much of the credit, defending the goal is just as important as scoring. If the other team can’t score, they cannot win. Defenders are a vital part of a team.
Soccer Defender Aspects
These are the traits that good defenders possess. If you have these traits, you should consider becoming a defender. If you are a defender, and don’t possess one of these traits, learn it.
Defending Ability
This seems like an obvious one. If you are a defender, you need to know how to defend well. You need to be an aggressive, hungry defender that knows defensive technique.
Speed
Forwards and midfielders can be fast. You need to be faster. As a defender, developing speed is very important.
Read Soccer Speed Guide.
Strength
Strong defenders push offensive players off of the ball, and can shield the ball well. Strength is an extremely important factor to defending.
Read Soccer Strength Guide.
Soccer Defending Tips
These tips will make you a better defender.
Be Aggressive
The best defenders may not actually be the best defenders, but the most aggressive. Of course, you don’t want to just stab in every time. That is not aggression. Aggression is using your body and never letting anyone past you.
Block the Shot
The main goal of a defender is to prevent a shot from ever reaching goal. Do whatever you can to prevent a shot from happening, and if he does try to shot, block it.
Don’t Be Afraid
To be a defender, you have to be fearless. You can’t be afraid of someone getting past you or kicking you with the ball. You have to go out there and defend fearless.
