How to become a good defender?

How to become a good defender?

Defenders are the backbone of a team, possessing the grit needed to do whatever it takes to prevent the other team from scoring.They usually hang back, protecting the goalie from breakaways and serving as options for midfielders in the defensive half.If you like to be a defender,you must know the criteria to become a good defender.There are 5 criteria to be a good defender.

1.Defending Ability

A good defender must know how to defend well.You should be an expert when tackling other player without fouling .If you can tackle the other player successfully,you may have the ball to pass to your teammates or clear the ball.

2.Speed

Forwards and midfielders are often fast. You need speed to keep up. Center backs with good positioning and strength can be effective with mediocre speed, but being fast will greatly improve their ability to defends. Wing backs need speed or they will get dominated by a fast winger.So,you must do more practice in running to keep up with other players.

3.Strength or Shielding Ability

 A perfect defender can push offensive player off the ball,win headers and shield the ball well.Strength is important for all defenders, but it’s especially important for center backs.

Develop strength by lifting weights and eating right.

4.Heading Ability

Defenders need good heading ability to defend against areal passes, crosses, and set pieces.Defender should head the ball far and wide to remove the ball from the defensive half.If you want to clear the ball from the crossing ball,you need to practice more in heading.

5.Passing Ability

Defenders without the ability to pass effectively reduce a team’s possession percentage.Clearing the ball has it’s place. But defenders should look up and pass the ball when they have time and space.Good defenders can pass to feet and make effective long passes through the air.