How to Play Central Fullback in Football

The central fullback is the last line of defense before the goalkeeper.

The sport known around the world as football is called soccer in regions where another game takes the football name: the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia. In soccer, the defenders positioned directly ahead of the goalkeeper are known as the fullbacks. The fullbacks who play in the center of the field are known as center or central fullbacks as opposed to the right and left fullbacks, who play at the edges of the field. Center fullbacks are also called stoppers.

Instructions

1. Stay between the goal and the ball at all times. As a central fullback it is necessary to prevent the opponents players from getting a clear shot to the goal. When the ball is in play, fullbacks should stay behind the opponent's 18-foot line. The exception to this is during corner kick opportunities when all non-goalkeeper players are deployed inside the opponent's goal box.

2. Play solid defense against the opponent's attacking players. Use a defensive stance where your knees are slightly bent and you are leaning forward at the waist with your weight on the balls of your feet so you can move in any direction in response to the attacker's ball movement. Tackle the ball away from the attacker when possible by striking the ball with your foot to remove it from control of the attacker, avoiding contact with your opponent and targeting only the ball).

3. Pass the ball to the mid-fielders quickly and accurately once you have wrested control from the opponent's attackers. Move the action away from your goal and toward you opponent's goal.

References

• Soccer Training Guide: Playing Fullback
• Soccer Training Guide: Individual Soccer Defense Skills