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Defending 1v1

Soccer (Individual Skills) / Popular

Approach, jockey and force the attacker where you want.

What coaches agree on

  • Get into a low, angled stance with your knees bent and your weight forward on your toes, hips turned side-on, so you're ready to move in either direction.
  • Keep about an arm's length of distance from the attacker — close enough to press them, far enough that one touch can't put them past you.
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  • Angle your run and body shape to steer the attacker where you want them to go, typically onto their weaker foot or away from goal.

Common mistakes

  • Diving in or lunging for the ball early instead of staying on your feet — patient defenders jockey and wait for the attacker to make a mistake or for teammates to recover.
  • Turning your back or crossing your legs when the attacker changes direction, instead of pivoting with your hips open to keep the ball in sight.