Where is Defense played on the field?

We play defense in all 3 zones. Forwards and Midfielders DO play defense.

What are the ways the following positions play Defense?

Striker (9): Reduce the field size - can you cut the field in half or prevent a switch from happening

Midfielder (7, 10, 11, 6, 8): Slow down the attack and/or organize to reduce counter attack

Defender (2, 5, 4, 3, 6, 8): Prevent negative space behind and oppose any shots on goal or penetration passes

Principles of Defense (Team):

PRESSURE - The moment possession is lost the nearest player(s) try to regain possession or apply pressure on the ball, if possible. Players giving immediate chase can also help to delay the attack by making recovery runs that deny the opponent the opportunity to play the ball quickly forward. If a defender cannot put “immediate” pressure on the ball, he or she must drop back and delay the attacker’s advance.

COVER - The immediate organization of players behind the pressuring defender. While the ball is being pressured all other players should be recovering into defensive positions. The positions taken should support the pressuring defender in the event he/she is beaten.

BALANCE - As the team concentrates their defense in the area of the ball, defenders away from the ball (opposite side of field) must position themselves to cover vital spaces (central areas) in order to prevent attackers from making penetrating runs into these spaces in which to receive the ball for an attempt on goal. All players who are on the opposite side must seek positions in which to provide balance to the defense.

COMPACTNESS - As players recover towards their own goal and organize their defense, the objective is to limit the time and space for the opponent by concentrating their defense in the area of the ball. Defenders also recover centrally towards their goal in order to limit the opponent's’ ability to directly attack the goal.

IMPROVISATION, CREATIVITY & SURPRISE - Players must be disciplined and play “under control” when challenging for the ball. Too often players make poorly timed or off-balanced attempts to win the ball. Players should restrain from tackling until they are confident they will win the ball.

** Definitions of Defending Principles take from David Newbery, NSCAA in an article for Soccer Coach Weekly

PRESSURE

COVER

BALANCE

COMPACTNESS