Tactics / Defending

Delay, cover, balance

Three jobs when defending: the nearest player slows the attacker down, the next one covers behind, and the far one balances across.

Out of possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: A winger runs at youMatch moment: Defend a throw-inMatch moment: Ball over the topMatch moment: Two against oneMatch moment: They switch itMatch moment: Shot from the edge

DELAYCOVERBALANCEGK5432
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

A defender who dives in alone is easy to beat. With cover behind, the first defender can be braver. With balance on the far side, a pass across doesn't find a free runner.

What players do

  • First defender: close down quickly, then slow down. Stay on your feet.
  • Second defender: a few metres behind, at an angle, close enough to help.
  • Third defender: tucked in on the far side, watching the runner.

Common mistakes

  • The first defender dives in and is beaten.
  • Two defenders both go to the ball, and nobody covers.
  • The far defender stays wide with their attacker and leaves the middle open.

With young players

This is defending in its simplest form. Start with the 1v1 "defend the gate", then 2v2.

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: Move as a block

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: tell the first defender which way to show.
    • Organise the cover player: "cover left!" or "cover right!"
    • Be ready to come off your line if the ball is played through.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Delay, cover or balance, depending on where you are.
    • Delay: close down, then slow down. Stay on your feet.
    • Cover: stand behind and to the side of the delayer, two or three metres away.
    • Balance: stand across the pitch, ready for a switch.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Same jobs when the ball is in midfield.
    • Drop in to cover when the defender steps out.
    • Close the pass into the middle.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • The nearest forward delays first: you are the first defender too.
    • Delay the defender on the ball until midfield is back.
    • Stand in the passing line to their midfield.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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