1v1 Defending - Learn Basic & Advanced Techniques

Defending is not about being big, fast and strong. Yes, those things help but the best defenders are the smartest and don't just relay on their athleticism to win tackles; they use their minds. In this OSA video I will show you basic key points and advanced key points. 

Key Points:

1. Close down space and be 1-2 steps away from the attacker. If you are to far away that gives them time to get their head up and look around. Get close to force their head down. 

2. Jockey, be patient and don't dive in. The best attackers want you to dive in on them because they will just touch it around you and go. So we want to jockey them. 

3. Force the attacker onto their weak foot. 

4. Be on your toes! Don't be back on your heels. 

5. Keep your feet moving, don't stand like a statue. 

6. Keep your eye on the ball! Do not look at the attackers feet, hips or shoulders. Focus on the ball. 

7. Win the ball with confidence when the time is right. When you do step in get your body behind you. Don't just reach and lunge for the ball with your foot. 

Equipment Needed:

You will need a few balls, one will work if that's all you got, 10 cones and a partner.

Exercise Player Can Do:

Set up two cone goals and a small field around the goals. This is your 1v1 field. Don't make it to tiny because you want enough room to work on your defending technique. If you don't have enough cones to make a sideline then don't have sidelines and you be the judge when it goes out. 

One goal will be the defending goal, the other the attacking goal. Behind the defender goal is all the balls. The defender will pass the ball to the attacker, then sprint and close the space down, set your feet and start defending. The attacker tries to beat the defender and score through the cone goals. If the defender wins it they try to score or kick the ball out. 

After the defender goes 5 times then switch with your partner. Repeat this process until you are mastering it or get tired. 

Advanced Key Points:

1. DO NOT take giant steps! Keep your feet underneath your body by taking smaller steps and moving your feet fast. Versus taking big giant steps and getting off balance and not being able to react as fast. 

2. Get your arm out, use your body and be physical. I am NOT saying foul or hurt anyone, not at all. But when that attacker goes to take a touch by you because you have your body angled correctly when you turn to take your step you will be a step ahead of them. At that moment get your arm out and put it into their chest/abs as you are in your running stride. This will push them back a bit and push you forward. 

This should like part of your running stride. Do not just run side by side with each other and not make contact. Be careful not to foul. 

3. Use the sideline as a 2nd defender when you can. If you are near the sideline force your attacker to the sideline so they only have a limited amount of room to try and dribble around you. 

4. Let the attacker make the mistake, then win it.

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong:

If the attacker is just running by you and you are frozen in place for a second or two you are diving in. Don't dive in. Be patient. 

If you feel like the attacker passes the ball back but you didn't do a good job because you didn't win it from them, don't think you have to win every ball. If your attacker passes backwards or sideways you are doing your job. 

Exercise to Practice on your Own

To practice on your own set up a start cone and an attacker cone 15 yards ahead of you. Set a ball next to the attacker cone. Sprint from the start cone, close down the imaginary attacker, then jockey back to the start cone. Do this 5 times, then rest and repeat. Just pretend there is an attacker making moves on you.

This Video Covers:
1v1 Defending - Learn Basic & Advanced Techniques - Soccer Defense Techniques - 
Defensive Soccer Drills - Soccer Defense Drills - Soccer Defense - How to Defend in Soccer - Soccer Defender