Fusion Green Machine Soccer

1v1 Defending

This is an excellent 8-minute video from Online Soccer Academy that shows you the most important things about defending against one player with the ball. Watch this video and try to remember the key points. Learn these points and try to use them in practice, and very soon you'll be a great defender!

Key Points

1. Close down space to one to two steps away.
2. Jockey, be patient, don't dive in.
3. Force the attacker on to their weak foot (or away from the goal)
4. Be on your toes
5. Keep your feet moving
6. Watch the ball
7. Win the ball when the time is right, be patient

Advanced Key Points

1. Take small steps, quick feet
2. Get your arm out, be physical, use your body
3. Use the sideline as a second defender
4. Let the attacker make the mistake, then win the ball