How To Train to Be Defender

Defending is a skill that, not only defenders but every soccer player should know how to execute correctly. Soccer is not only about scoring goals and attacking the other team. The best soccer team in the history of the game are those with solid defenses.

There’s a famous quote” Great attacks win games, however, great defenses win championships”.

This quote is completely true. I’ve never seen Leagues or World Cup-winning teams without having a great defense. But I’ve seen teams winning with great defense but not so great at attack.

In today’s article, we will read how to improve your defending game.

Improve Your Technical Skill

1. Correct Positioning & Stance

Correct Positioning and stance towards the attacker are fundamental for any defender. The defender should stay in position due to two reasons and those are that Positioning helps you to be prepared for any move that an attacker can do. It also lets you force the defender to move towards the side you want them to move.

2. Take the advantage of mistakes

As a defender, a bad touch or misstep of the opponent team is an opportunity for you to shift the game on your side. If you’re defending against a strong player, you have to be alert for the slightest mistake. Put the player under pressure so that, they get a fumble and be ready to act immediately on their mistakes.

3. Tackle Wisely

Tackling is one of the riskiest parts of soccer not only because you can get injured but also risk fouling the other player. Use this only when you’re 100% sure you can regain possession of the ball for your team. You can tackle them when they have made mistakes or they have been off-track.

Conditioning Your Body

1. Strengthen your core to improve your balance.

Working on core doesn’t mean having a six-pack for show-off. A strong core improves your balance make it tougher for attacking players.

Do plank, yoga. They help to strengthen your core and improve your balance and flexibility.

2. Combine distance running with sprints.

Distance running improves cardiovascular endurance. If you’re spending 90 minutes on the pitch in any game endurance is important for you.

3. Use plyometric to build power and strength.

Plyometric exercises help to build fast-twitch muscles fibers in the body and give you explosive power to boost the sudden bursts of speed you need.

Developing Your Mind

Be Confident

Maintain your confidence and have no fear. If your opponent that you’re nervous or under-confident they’ll take the advantage of the situation. If you want to be a good soccer defender don’t fear to challenge a strong opponent. Never show your opponent that you’re afraid.

Have Good Sportsmanship

Being an aggressive defender, it is easy to get carried away in that mindset. Never forget that the team playing in your opposition are people too. If anyone of them gets injured, help them. Don’t argue with referees unnecessarily.

Have Patience

Patience is a key element for any defender. Players with low patience levels face difficulty in defending correctly. Your impatient behavior will give the chance to attacker to get past you. So always be patient and wait for the striker mistake to take the ball away from them.

Communicate effectively to your teammates

As a defender, you can see the whole field and you’re aware of the position of each player. You can help your team by letting them know, when pressure is headed on their way and when someone is open.

Be loud and keep the other defenders alert and on their toes. If another defender is on the ball, give them complete information about the situation around them so, they can focus on the ball.

Conclusion

Defenders are the strongest member of the soccer team. If you want to become a better defender, you’ve got to become a better soccer player overall first. Defenders require mental fitness, physical fitness, and technical skills. We are good at all three areas after that you’ll be unbeatable. I’ve mentioned all the important aspects of becoming a defender.

Topic covered in this article: