How to stop fast attacking players

How to stop fast attacking players

Nothing is worse than playing defense, and there is a player who is fast. He uses his speed and athleticism at every moment to get the better of you. I still remember the times where I was playing right back and would have a challenge because my opponent was lighting. In these scenarios you have to have a plan, if you don’t you will be exposed

 

No one wants to show poorly. I think players show poorly because they don’t have a game plan. I’m not saying it has to be this elaborate plan, but you have to have an idea of what you are going to do on the field. In this case how to slow down a speedy attacking player. Alright, now that we got that out of the way, let me give you my three tips on how to stop a quick attacking player.

 

1. Get your distances right

As a defender, you have to understand your distance away from the attacking player is crucial. If you're too close, they'll go right by you, and if you're too far away, you'll give them time to be comfortable on the ball and make a play. You want to be close enough, so neither of these scenarios happens. Over time, you'll find the sweet spot, but you have to practice your defending and to make sure your teammates can rely on you.

Get your distances right

2. Use the sideline as a defender

As a defender, you have to use all the tricks of the trade to your advantage. One of the most effective ones is using the sideline as a defender. Making play predictable will help you when playing against a player like this. You want to force him or her in a direction that is advantageous for you. Pushing them down the line without over committing makes the play predictable. Now, the attacking player has less field to work with. Less field to work with can lead to mistakes, a bad touch, or a dribble out of bounce. Whatever the case, you've done your job well and have found a useful strategy to neutralize the attacking player. If you can continue to be a student of the game and learn, you'll find your Soccer IQ going up.

Use the sideline as a defender

3. Try and make play predictable

Making play predictable will give you an idea of what you're doing on the defensive side of the ball. No plan will make play more difficult to get a grasp during the match. You don't always have to win the ball. If you can force the player into where your numbers are on the field, your teammates can cause mistakes which led to turnovers, which lead to an attack. 

4. Get physical when you can. 

Physicality is sometimes needed when playing against fast attacking players. Usually, they don't want contact and want to take the physical part of the game out. In this case, don't let them. Be annoying to play against. Don't let them breathe and make it the most difficult day for him or her. Soccer is a physical game, so remind the players you're playing against this too.