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Principles of Defense

Pressure The first defender applies immediate pressure on the ball carrier to limit their options and force mistakes15:

• Approaching the attacker quickly but under control

• Delaying the attacker's progress

• Controlling the attacker's movement

• Attempting a tackle when appropriate

Cover The second defender provides support to the first defender by15:

• Positioning behind the first defender to offer depth

• Being ready to pressure if the first defender is beaten

• Communicating with the first defender

Balance The third defender (often the sweeper) maintains defensive shape by15:

• Providing width to the defense

• Anticipating changes in the point of attack

• Squeezing the field to force the attack into tight areas

Compactness The entire team collapses into a compact defensive shape to3:

• Reduce space for the attackers

• Force the ball wide and away from dangerous central areas

 

Defensive Positioning Formations

Common defensive formations include:

• 4-4-2: Balanced defense with four defenders and four midfielders2

• 4-3-3: Four defenders with three midfielders for additional coverage2

• 5-3-2: Five defenders including wing-backs for extra defensive security4

Marking Systems

Teams employ either:

• Zonal marking: Defenders are responsible for specific areas of the pitch46

• Man-marking: Each defender is assigned an opponent to mark4

High Press

Modern defenses often use a high press strategy where4:

• Defenders apply pressure high up the pitch

• The team aims to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half

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