Central Defenders
- in past was only expected to help defend but in modern game are expected to contribute to the attack
- Flat four you have two central defenders
- Diamond defense you have a sweeper and stopper
- Diamond defense provides more depth to the defense and provides plenty of cover in case a defender gets beat by their mark
- Diamond backfield is run at the lower levels where there less coordination and cohesion among the players (less time to practice and
work together day to day)
- Flat four provides more opportunity for offsides traps
- Requires more coordination and cohesion between defensive players which is why more often run at higher levels
- Sweeper is behind stopper and "runs" defense
- Sweeper is responsible for cover if any other defenders get beat, shouldn't have to mark anyone
- Stopper is the playmaker of the defense, usually starts plays that end up in good attacking chances
- Stopper responsible usually for marking primary/best forward of the other team
Main responsibilities of center backs
- Mark forwards
- Communicate amongst each other about threats on field
- Communicate with other positions about threats on field
- Help keep possession of the ball (job doesn't end when play moves on the attack)
- Win when singled out against his mark
- Keep track of his mark wherever they go and either follow them or make sure his mark is successfully passed off to another team
mate through communication
- Always stay focused on what is going around them on the pitch
- Willing to do things
Main responsibilities of sweeper
- Communicate with teammates
- let them know about unmarked players
- threats coming
- Should be helping goalie communicate/passing on what goalie is saying
- Organize defense
- tell players who to mark
- have players fill in gaps
- Plug any open areas
- mark players that are unmarked
- fill in any open spots of danger
- Help in the attack
- provide extra number in midfield
- feed long balls to players making run
- act as a lynchpin in switching the field
Main responsibilities of stopper
- Communicate with the rest of the team
- Mark the center most forward
- or the best forward depending on what coach wants to do
- Fiercely challenge anything in the middle part of the field
- Help on the attack
- Provide extra numbers in the mid field
- Help switch field when needed
- Provide quick counterattack opportunities when winning the ball
Qualities of good center back
- Communicate effectively
- Speed
- Strength
- Read the game and react on it
- Agile
- Brave
- Stay Focused
- Sound decision making ability
- Jumping
- Time tackles
- Reaction
- Disciplined
- Anticipation
- Technical ability
Famous Center Backs
- Franz Beckenbaur (Sweeper)
- Franco Baresi (Sweeper)
- Bobby Moore (Sweeper)
- Alessandro Nesta
- Gaetano Scirea (Sweeper)
- Paolo Maldini
- Daniel Passarella (Sweeper)
- Fabio Cannavaro (Stopper)
- Elias Figueroa
- Jose Santamaria (Stopper)
- Ronald Koeman
Best US Centerbacks
- Marcelo Balboa
- Eddie Pope
- Carlos Bocanegro
- Jeff Agoos
- Paul Caligiuri
- Alexi Lalas (personal favorite)
Things of note
Online sources
- https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/center-back-soccer/
- https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/sweeper-soccer/
- https://soccercoachtheory.com/what-is-a-sweeper-in-soccer/
- http://soccertraininglab.com/what-is-a-sweeper-in-soccer/
- https://coachingkidz.com/what-is-a-sweeper-in-soccer-a-complete-guide/