Tactics / Defending

Show them down the line

Defending a 1v1 out wide: stand slightly inside the attacker, side-on, so the only way to go is down the line, away from goal.

Out of possessionFrom 5v5Match moment: A winger runs at youMatch moment: Defend a throw-inMatch moment: Defend a cross

SHOW HEREGK25
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Down the line, the touchline becomes an extra defender and the angle to goal gets worse with every step. Inside, they can shoot or pass to the middle.

What players do

  • Get close quickly, then slow down as you arrive.
  • Stand side-on, on the inside, a little more than an arm's length away.
  • Stay on your feet. Wait for a heavy touch, then tackle.
  • A teammate covers inside you, in case they cut back.

Common mistakes

  • Square-on, so the attacker can go either way.
  • Diving in, and getting beaten on the inside.
  • Standing too far off, so they can cross or shoot.

With young players

The first defending skill to teach. "Show them the line" is a good shout for every age.

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: Defend when outnumbered

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: "show them outside!"
    • Shout "show them outside!" to the full-back.
    • Step to the near post if they reach the byline.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Stand inside, side-on, and wait for the heavy touch.
    • Close quickly, then slow down as you arrive.
    • Wait for the heavy touch before you tackle.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Cover inside your full-back.
    • Cover inside your full-back, a few metres behind.
    • Block the pass back inside.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Track back to help double up.
    • Winger: track back and help double up.
    • Arrive on their outside so they cannot turn back.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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