Common Sense Defending

More often then not players will favor their strong feet. Identifying a players strong foot is key for tackling and keeping her from using her strong foot. Blank says that he wants his defenders and even center mids to figure out a players strong foot within the first five minutes of the game. (Blank, 71) We want to make a player wit her weak foot which will hopefully lead to her messing up and you gaining possession of the ball. You want to identify the strong foot and push your player to his/her weak foot. (Blank, 72) If you can eliminate a players strong foot you can turn the game your way.

As I have been playing center defender since I can remember, figuring out whether a player has a dominant right foot or left foot if key. To be efficient in your defending it is important to identify this quickly. Many players are right dominant, but sometimes you will defend a lefty. After figuring this out you want to force a players to play with their weak foot to minimize their success.(Blank, 72) This is shown below in the pictures with defending a players with a strong right foot.


1. Identify what foot is stronger, you can see this because often their strong foot will be the one with the ball.

2. When defending approach the players in a curved motion (like a half of circle) if you are facing the player curve you defending stance with more pressure on their right foot.

3. Guide your players to the their left and keep maintaining high pressure and when the moment is right time your attack and gain possession.

What is your strong foot and how do you train your weak foot to be just as good?