Aggressive Soccer Defense Wins Games

In order for a team to maximize its full potential, all 11 soccer players on the field have to share the responsibility of playing both offense and defense. Pressuring the ball forces opponents to make quicker decisions and attempt longer passes, which often leads to mistakes and/or turnovers.

The most important defense is actually played on the opponent’s side of the field. As is often said, the best defense is to stay on offense. Effective forwards actively apply up front pressure to quickly win the ball back deep in an opponent’s territory, while intelligent midfielders and fullbacks step up to capitalize on mistakes and intercept errant passes. More often than not, this is where games are won.

SEE MORE: Building Your Soccer Intellect

Teams that play aggressive defense tend to have higher possession times. That’s a big advantage! Let’s do the math… a possession percentage of 60% translates into 54 minutes on offense and 36 minutes playing defense over a 90 minute game. Odds are that a team with greater scoring opportunities will ultimately win the game. So the next time your coach puts you in the game as a forward, remember that you’re also a key first line defender. Play percentage soccer!

Good defense always starts with containment and ends by making a play for the ball. To be an effective defender, be patient, force the player on offense to make the first move and then react. It’s like playing a game of poker… read your opponent but never show your hand. Start building your soccer intellect.