Soccer is a fast sport. Players are constantly running from one side of the field to the other. Soccer players have to think about defending while attacking and attacking while defending. This is why transitions in soccer are so important.
Today, Blayze professional soccer coach, and NWSL player, Zoe Morse provides four tactics to follow to best defend while attacking. Specifically, ways to improve your soccer skills by keeping both defending and attacking in the back of your mind while playing.
Always Have Numbers Up in The Back
As defenders, you need to be aware of where the other team’s forwards are positioned. And you need to know where any potential outlet passes could come from. Where could the opponent break down your defense?
For example, if your team is attacking and up past the midfield line. Where are the other team’s forwards? Are they hovering by the midfield line? How many are there? Who is staying wide on the outside to be able to receive a pass in the wide channel? If the opponent gets the ball and clears it, how many defenders are left to take on those wingers or forwards?
You must anticipate defending even when your team has the ball.
Keep the Ball – Possession
The best form of defense is simply maintaining possession of the ball. The other team cannot attack if your team has the ball. Knowing how to cycle the ball and switching the field to maintain possession will help wear down the opponent. If the opponent is tired, they cannot attack as strongly. Keep the passing game strong, maintain possession, and minimize your opponent’s ability to attack.
Know Where to Be – Positioning
Another way to help your team defend while attacking is by staying in a defensive position. Know where the ball is on the field and move to help create space and options for your team. If your team is attacking, be thinking about how you can move and where to go if you need to switch to defending quickly. Know where to be on the field to help your team.
Regain the Ball if You Lose It
If you have possession of the ball, then lose it (it happens!), then you need to do everything in your power to regain that ball back. The moment you lose that ball, spend the next five seconds using all your effort and strength to get the ball back.
Don’t get discouraged if you lost the ball. It does not help your team if you stop trying, throw your hands up, or moan and groan that the opponent took the ball away. You need to forget about it and work hard for your team to regain possession.
These are four simple, yet very effective tactics to help you defend while attacking. To increase your defensive skills, you need to practice. These four tactics can strengthen your defense and be a game-changer against your next opponent.
Learn More With Blaze!
The secret to mastering any skill is practice! Are you looking to become a stronger player? Could you use direct feedback from a professional coach on how to improve your defending skills, passing skills, or vision on the field?
Blayze coaches can help to identify bad habits, bad techniques, quality movement, and growth opportunities. All simply from watching your game film!
You need not spend hours searching for a private coach to help improve your game performance. Or spend weeks asking your coach to provide in-depth feedback about your performance in a certain game.
With Blayze, you can upload your game film to your selected private coach, and he/she will analyze it for you. Then they will set up a time that is convenient for you to sit down and go over their findings. From there, you two will work together to develop a plan of improvement and goal setting. It truly is amazing!
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