Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
In soccer, a slide tackle is a defensive move used to try to steal the ball from an opponent or knock the ball away. Do a slide tackle in soccer with tips from a soccer coach in this free video on soccer.
A lot of soccer, especially in the United States, is played in a very direct style. This usually involves a lot of crosses and long balls to the center of defense that need to be dealt with by the defenders. The act of defensive heading can sometimes be the difference between keeping a clean sheet and conceding a shot or goal.
To help a team to prevent goals against themselves, it is important to defend correctly. Defending involves trying to double team the ball at all times and in all areas of the pitch. To prevent two players being beaten at the same time, whether it is by a pass or a dribble, this double team is positioned in such a way as to ensure that the player actually pressuring the ball is backed up at all times. This type of positioning is referred to as "cover." Using a 3v2 drill format to goal is one of the best ways to…
In terms of defending, one of the most important principles to work on is the principle of defensive balance. Balance in defense is the act of either balancing left or right coverage of the pressuring defender when the ball is pressured centrally or balancing the area of the back post behind the second defender when the ball is pressured on the wings. The format of 4v3 to goal is an excellent method of working balance in defense while also reinforcing the idea that outnumbered defenders can prevent shots with proper positioning.
The bunker defense is considered to be an ugly but effective method of reducing the scoring chances of the opposition. It is a tactic usually employed by poorer teams against strong opposition, or when a team is a player or more down due to a sending off. Essentially, it is the idea of packing the penalty area with defenders in order to reduce the amount of space the opposition might use to attack and shoot.
The sweeper/stopper method of defending is a popular defensive system in youth soccer in America. Although zonal defending has become the more popular system worldwide, there are still some merits to this defensive strategy. As with all tactical plans, it is dependent on the strength of the players involved.
When defending against the opposition, there are certain principles that should be adhered to in order to enjoy the maximum possibility of winning back the ball. These defensive principles are depth, pressure or delay, cover, balance and consolidation. Without these principles, a team's defensive efforts become more reliant on luck and individual responsibility rather than a concerted tactical effort to prevent shots and regain the ball.
