Tactics / Defending

Defend when outnumbered

When two attackers come at one defender, back off, stay between them, and slow everything down until help arrives.

Out of possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: We have just lost itMatch moment: One against the keeperMatch moment: Two against one

GK46
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Every second of delay brings a teammate back. A defender who dives in leaves an open goal; one who waits can turn a 2v1 into a 2v2.

What players do

  • Back off towards goal, but stay in front of the ball.
  • Stand between the two attackers, so a pass across is risky.
  • Make the ball carrier decide. Fake a tackle to slow them down.
  • Once help arrives, press the ball.

Common mistakes

  • Diving in at the ball carrier.
  • Going wide to mark the runner, leaving the way to goal open.
  • Turning your back and running.

With young players

Play 2v1 with a recovering defender who starts a few metres back: children quickly see how waiting helps.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Rest defence

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Talk the defender through it; come out only if the ball is played through.
    • Tell the defender "stay between them, don't go".

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Delay, stay between the two, back off.
    • Make the ball carrier decide; do not decide for them.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Sprint back on the inside.
    • Take the free attacker when you arrive.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Sprint back too: you may be the help.
    • Go to the free attacker, not to the ball.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.