Soccer Tip

Soccer Tips To Defend 1 vs 1

Defenders are often caught in uncomfortable positions. The most uncomfortable position is 1 vs 1. The pressure on the defender builds with each stride the attacker makes. However, there are a few easy adjustments defenders can make to ensure the best outcome in a 1 vs 1.

• Apply Pressure – The first thing you want to do is apply pressure to the attacker. If they are given time and space, they control the outcome. As a defender, you want to get within a foot or two away from the defender.
• Body Positioning – Once you apply pressure you want to have the correct body positioning. As a defender, you don’t want to be caught square or on your heels. Always be on your toes anticipating the next move. First, cut the angle of the attacker making him play the ball with his weak foot. Have one foot in front of the other while having most of your power on your back leg. This way you can either poke the ball away with the front foot if the attacker touches the ball too far or you can turn quickly off your back leg in case the attacker attempts to get past you.
• Space – The attacker is trying to put you in an uncomfortable situation. In order, to prevent that from happening you need to control the space. By applying pressure and having good body positioning gives you more control. While executing these two things you can push the attacker into any space you want without even touching him. The whole goal on 1 vs 1 is to not get beat it doesn’t mean you have to win the ball. Force the attacker into space where you have other teammates, into the sideline where there is nowhere to run or let him run away from the goal.

As a defender, a 1 vs 1 is a disadvantage. The reason most defenders get beat on a 1 vs 1 is that they try and win the ball and are too aggressive. The goal of a 1 vs 1 for a defender is to prevent a goal even if that means conceding a throw-in or letting the attacker keep the ball in a space in which you are in control. 1 vs 1 defending is a difficult task but following these tips can take the pressure off the defender and the team.

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