How can I get better at playing defense in soccer??

Question

I need to improve my defense if I want to make starting center defense on the varsity team this year. I am not to fast, so I want to be able to use skill rather then speed to shut down opponents

Answer 1

Flash the other team.

Pretend to be mentally challenged.

Pee on the field.

Answer 2

look at the ball

Answer 3

well if your not the fastest i would try improve your speed however you said you wanted more skill, so i would say try be in the right position at the right time. So stay in the centre dont go doing the left / right backs job. try and make the other team break you down by holding the back four all in a line. It all depends what standard you are playing quite a few teams play the punt up the field and let the striker run on to it, in this case drop a few yards of the striker so you have a head start. If its more of a better level of football the team will try and pass through your defense this is were standing as a unit in defense will help. Being more physical will help and having more strength against the strikers will also help in prove your chances.

hope this helps.

Answer 4

Being a defender is all about being able to read the game. Good technique and skill can make up for your lack of speed.

1 vs. 1 or 2 vs. 1 are the best ways you can help you read an opponents touch and skill

Answer 5

Have anticipation and be able to read the game..speed doesnt matter just look at john terry...you have to be one step ahead of the forward..be able to know what the other team is going to do before they do it...1 on 1 is very important..also learn that you have to stay on the center..

Answer 6

well one way is don't dive in just jokey them hold them off till another defender or midfielder comes back to help you tackle him never dive in that is one of the most important rule because if you do they can just wait for you to do that then they will go round you and score. just wait timing is everything. also maybe you can get a bit bigger press-ups stuff like that so they can't barge you off the ball usually a defender is big e.g terry , sol Campbell etc also when you get the ball just pass it and not run because if you get tackled your in trouble and also another tip is when going for headers jump before your opponent