First Defender "Pressure"

The first defender is the player who is in nearest proximity to the ball at any given time. The role of the first defender is quite simple; dictate where the opponent plays the ball. Winning the ball is secondary to forcing the opponent to play in one direction. The key to the first defender is getting in hard and fast, putting pressure on the opponent, forcing a quick decision. The first defender dictates the opponent play by taking away secondary options. This is done by making a forced curving run.

Instead of simply running straight at the opponent in possession the defender must make an arcing run taking away passing lanes to either the right or the left. (see diagram 1) Once the defender is in and has made a curved run, forcing the play in one direction he must remain a threat to the opposition, therefore he cannot over commit by running past the ball or lunging at the ball.

The first defender must learn to get in hard and fast but then to sit down by taking short choppy steps while staying on his toes. This ensures that the play will go in one direction, there will be pressure on the ball and the first defender will still be a threat.

Now that the defender is a threat to the opponent it is important to be sideways on. This refers to the fotowork of the defender. He should not be flat when facing towards the ball, but instead, he should have a staggered stance which allows quick movement in both directions.

Which direction to force play?

As the first defender moves in to force the play of the game it is important that he listen for his teammates’ instruction. As the game is dynamic and play is non predictable the second the ball is turned over the player nearest the ball immediately becomes the first defender. However, this player is not capable of seeing the whole field, but his teammates are. The second defenders can help the first defender by communicating which way to force the run. “force right” tells the first defender that the second defender wants the play to be brought back to his right side.“Force left” tells the first defender that play is to be directed to the left side. When the first defender hears this, immediately he should curve his run in the direction his teammate indicates, forcing play to his cover defender.

When this communication does not come, the defender has a choice to make; force right or force left. This decision must be made quickly and it depends on several conditions; the place of the field the team possesses in, the system of defense used, and the skill of the opponent. If an opponent is weaker to one side force him that way. If he is dominant right and can be aggressive to the right, but is average to the left, whenever possible force to the left side.

Position of the field is also important in this decision. A turnover in the attacking third is far different than the defending third. In the attacking third always try to force back to the middle, that is where the goal is and a turnover has a highly successful chance for a goal as the defense was spread apart to attack when they lost the ball. However, if the ball is turned over in the defensive third a decision must be made: force the attacker to the middle of the field and nearer the goal or to the flanks away from the goal? Some coaches like to force the play to the middle where the defense is concentrated and they are more likely to win on a tackle due to high pressure. Some prefer to force to the flanks, away from the goal where an immediate threat of scoring is unlikely but a serve into the box is probable. Forcing middle allows for an immediate shot by a quality player, but is made more difficult as the defense is concentrated. Forcing the opponent outside leads to a one versus one battle in the corner for a serve by the opponent. If the defender is beaten, he can attack the goal down the line, so the defender must know his first priority is to not be beaten. The rest of the team organizes to defend and win the serve, if it comes. This decision is difficult, should be thought about, decided upon and then transferred to the players so they understand the defensive philosophy.

Simply put the role of the first defender is simple; apply immediate pressure to the ball, force the opponents in one direction and maintain a defensive threat by not over committing or lunging past the ball. There are many decision to make but it is still easy to explain: force play in one direction and when possible win the ball.

When to tackle?

As the first defender gets in and forces play he should be patient, keeping himself between the defender and the goal. Though he must not lunge and he should force the play, there comes a point when he must step and tackle. If he hears the cover defender say "tackle" of course he should tackle. By jockeying with the attacker and staying between the attacker and the goal the defender has the advantage of making the attacker beat him, as opposed to the defender beating himself. When the attacker makes that move and makes a mistake, that is the time to tackle. If the opponent has a mis-touch and the ball gets away the defender should tackle. Let the attacker make the mistake then step and tackle.

If possible, as the attacker makes the mistake, instead of stepping and winning the ball outright the defender should try to position himself between the attacker and the ball. As he does this he will have won the space and now have himself between the attacker and the ball. Now the defender can decide if he wants to play back or turn and face depending on field position.

Finally, as the defender goes to tackle, the tackle should be made immediately after a touch. The reason is simple: after a touch the foot is on the ground, the weight is forward and it is more difficult to make a move. Of course the skilled attacker will still be quick, but this is still the best time to tackle.

Role of the Second Defender