In this post on defending play in football, we cover optimal distance, body position, and other things to watch out for in order to win or clear the ball away from the attacker. We begin with 1v1 defending and tackling, with players divided into two groups placed apart. The attacker runs forward with the ball and the defender meets him halfway and tries to tackle and win the ball.

While this sounds straightforward and simple enough, there are a few pointers to keep in mind for effective defence. The first is maintaining optimal distance from the attacker – too far and the attacker can shoot at goal from the side, too close and he may put on a sudden burst of speed and evade you. Both these scenarios are best avoided.

Next is with respect to body position – you need to keep your left/right leg forward and body slightly bent forward, so you’re ready to move or run in an instant. Keep your eyes on the ball as opposed to the attacker’s feet. This is so you avoid getting confused by a stepover or any other evasive footwork that the attacker may choose to employ at that moment.

There’s an important technique for defenders referred to as channelising. Basically, if you step to the right, there’s a chance the attacker will run to your left and vice versa. Use this to your advantage by forcing the attacker to move one way, and then immediately moving in with a strong tackle to win/clear the ball. If the attacker turns and tries to hold or shield the ball, don’t give him an opportunity to turn back. Keep up the constant pressure with tight marking and clear/waste the ball at the first chance you get.

Once you get the hang of 1v1 tackling and defending, progress to a 3v3 game situation in a grid of around 30 metres, without any goalkeepers. When there’s no scope to win the ball, the smart thing to do is clear/waste the ball so the attacker can’t score. The first choice of direction for this should be forward, second to the side, and last, if no other option is available to you, then and only then backward.

Distance and covering angle are key for the defenders in this exercise to emerge victorious. Be alert, on your toes, and position yourselves such that all three attackers are properly covered at any given time. Going through defending play practice is an important and integral part of learning football. The next post picks up from here and continues with the second part of defending play. Keep reading and improving your skills.