Soccer Goals - Defending
Defending the Soccer Goal - Article 2, Rev 1
By Albert M. Luongo
Defense is probably the most strategic job on the field. If no goals are scored, you obviously cannot lose the soccer match. When the defense is strong, it enables the forward seeking players (the offense or attackers) to remain further up field to better concentrate on attacking properly, thus leaving the defensive job to the defending specialists (defenders).
In contrast, when there are many dangerous disturbances in front of your defending goal, the offensive team often holds back to assist the defenders. Moments later, when a counter attack occurs, these forward players must make a sixty, seventy or more yard (or meter) run at top speed up field, depleting their energy. After a long run upfield, an exhausted dribbling forward often panics causing mistakes. This also means that supporting players, not “carrying” the ball, often do not stay on line with the ball as it travels upfield. Then, near the goal, if and when the ball is crossed in front of the goalmouth, it is often heard exclaimed, “no one was there!” But when defenders know and do their jobs thoroughly, the forwards can concentrate on their specialty and goals are more often scored.
Note: That is not to say that the mid-fielders are not to help out on defense. Their job is to be both defensive and offensive.
When defending the goal each defender should “pick up” an opponent in his or her zone, to prevent the necessity of chasing an opponent racing towards the goal. Being the second-to-the-last person on the defensive line (the goalkeeper being last), it is extremely important to:
1. Position oneself between the opponent (with or without the ball) and the goal–in one’s zone
2. Leave the offside trap to the professionals as it often backfires
3. Remain goal-side of the opponent
4. Back up with a dribbling attacker while always screening a potential shot at the goal; thus allowing the goalkeeper to better assess where the shot on goal will go
5. Only tackle the ball after the dribbler has lost control of it
6. Defend against a cross by positioning one self to always remain approximately goal-side of the ball–this is preferred over an attempted tackle. By being approximately goal-side, it is meant that an effective cross from near the goal line will be pulled back towards the penalty spot and out of reach of the goalkeeper. This angle must be compensated for by the defender.
Reminder: When one observes a defender that is chasing a dribbling opponent in front of the goal, that defender is out of position.
This is what not to do:
1. Only watch the ball and not the attacker’s feet when opposing a dribbling attacker–a good dribbler is tricky
2. To be so far up field that recovery to a proper defensive position is difficult
3. To tackle the ball under the control of the dribbler (when there is no back up defender). This is especially important in attempting to dislodge the ball away via a slide tackle: A defender on the ground is useless. A slide tackle in this situation looks good when accomplished, but when missed, a dangerous situation has occurred. If a goal is scored, the blame falls upon the defender on the ground.
4. To cover for another out-of-position defender and thus leave your own zone unprotected (the exception would be–to prevent a goal in an emergency situation)
5. To be out of position such that it becomes necessary to chase the opponent that is racing towards the goal.
Further Notes:
1. Usually soccer training is conducted by centering the training practices on attacking. It is vital that equal time is spent on defensive tactics, application and practice.
2. I have seen professional players (and others) attempt to dislodge (tackle) the ball in and around the front of the goal, miss the tackle and then observe the ball in the back of the net.
3. It should be emphasized that neutralizing an attacking opponent from getting into a scoring position can be considered the best defense of all: This defensive measure should be rated highly even though this individual may only make a few contacts with the ball.
Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo (Coach AL) is Formerly a NJ, RI and Canada Soccer Coach, Manager, Referee and League Organizer, and Coach of a RI state championship teams. He has also played all positions in several adult soccer leagues. One son (Al) became a RI All State goalkeeper and two other sons (James and Anthony) were top players in high school and in their state. They went on to play in their Universities.
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