How to Get Noticed as a Defensive Soccer Player

Soccer matches can drawn massive crowds.

Soccer is the world's most popular sport, and if you play well, a talent for soccer can take you a lot of interesting places. Soccer is quickly becoming more popular in the United States with the introduction of Major League Soccer, which is one possible career path for budding soccer players. A soccer scholarship can also be a way to help pay for a post secondary education, assuming you are able to get noticed, of course.

Instructions

1. Work on your defensive skills. Defenders need to be strong on the ball, patient and able to read the game. They should also be good at heading, tackling, passing and reading the game. If you plan to get noticed as a defensive soccer player, your first priority should be to making yourself a better defensive soccer player.

2. Remember that the defensive line of a soccer team is a cohesive unit that should work together. Unlike attacker positions, where there is more importance put on individual effort, a good defensive player works with teammates to repel attacks. Trying too hard to be a star may have the unintended consequence of making you appear less of a team player.

3. Ask your current coach for tips on improving your play. Scouts and other coaches will often ask your coach about you, and improving and excelling in the eyes of your current coach will be important for getting a good recommendation.

4. Attend soccer tournaments, tryouts and other competitions where scouts might be looking for new soccer talents. David Beckham, for instance, was noticed by scouts after winning a ball control competition and earning a trip to Barcelona.

5. Find out, either from your coach or the coaching staff, when scouts will be coming to observe. Coaches are sometimes informed about these visits, and the foreknowledge will give you a chance to prepare.

6. Take the initiative and phone or email the coach or coaching staff of a team you are interested in joining. Desire and motivation are qualities that coaches look for, and coaches will often be willing to talk to you and come watch you play if you are confident enough to ask.

References

• "The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition"; Soccer; 2008
• Teach PE: Become a Better Defender
• "Notable Sports Figures"; Beckham, David; Kari Bethel; 2004
• NCSA Sports; Coaches Corner: University of Sciences and Arts of Oklahoma Head Women's and Men's Soccer Coach, Jimmy Hampton; April 2010
• California State University; Matador Scouting Practices; Arthur Vong; October 2006