[Fender playa]

I usually play right back, but this year my coach is putting me in CD. I need serius help, cause i never played that position before. A few pionters would be nice

[Werdguy]

i've played central defense for the past 3 years on my club team, and i think one of the most important things is being the leader back there... in the center, you have a better view of all situations, so being vocal is very important... you also need to be able to read the offense of the opposing team well so that you can orchestrate effective traps and what not...

[hambone]

On your team is center defense the sweeper???
I used to play sweeper so i could give you advice if that is the case.

The only thing i can really think of is make sure that if the play is coming down the left side (for the attackers)be behind your right defender and make sure your left defender is behind you. That way you have an angled back defense so if your right defender gets beat you can take his job and he circles back and takes yours.

I agree that when you are in the center you have to be more of a leader. If you play sweeper make sure everybody is marked and do not take a check. By playing in the center you will get better at positional defensive play. There is not much I can say, maybe if you ask your coach. Experience there is the only thing that will really make you better at playing there.

oh yes, if in doubt kick it out

[USregion2playas]

maybe u should just quit

[Fender playa]

Originally posted by USregion2playas
maybe u should just quit

Why the hell would i want to do that

Oh, and welcome to bigsoccer

I meant as CD

....................Sweeper.....................................
RD...................CD.................................LD

One more question, do you need to ,mark anybody????????????????

[Fender playa]

Originally posted by hambone


oh yes, if in doubt kick it out [/B]

Got that right

[hambone]

So basically you are playing stopper, isn't there a thread on that down a little bit somewhere???
As stopper you do need to mark, only the sweeper doesn't mark.
I never played stopper really so can't give that much help. As you play remember the situations where you don't know what to do and ask your coach about them. Your coach is the ultimate guy to ask for tips on what your position should do.

[saabrian]

As a sometimes keeper, here's what a central defender should be/do from the point of view of the guy between the sticks.

I strongly second the guys who spoke about making sure you communicate very well with your other defenders and midfielders. Make sure you communicate well with your keeper, especially if there's a lot of action or threats.

Some things will depend on what your formation is (3 in the back, 4 flat, 4 with a sweeper or even 5). But I always want a central defender who is confident with the ball at his feet (but not so much so that he plays with it too much in the area). This is not QUITE as important for a defender who's on the wings but critical for a central defender. It's a huge advantage for the keeper to have a central defender who has this confidence and poise.

Make sure you understand your keeper's style of play. Does he come off his line a lot? Is he good on crosses? Is he comfortable with the ball at his feet?When I'm in goal, I don't like the ball being played back to me unless it's absolutely necessary and I tell this to my defenders; other keepers are more comfortable with that. Does your keeper take his own goal kicks? If so, does he usually pass it short or boot it long?

If you have more than one keeper on your team, in scrimmages and stuff, make sure you also pay attention to the style of your backup keeper(s) too. When your backup(s) play, the communication is even more important as are your leadership responsabilities.

Good luck!

[IASocFan]

You should be marking their center striker assuming 3 forwards. If they have two, you need to be communicating with the sweeper and outside defenders who everyone has. If the two attackers both go wide, you and the sweeper make sure they are picked up, and you can look for trailers coming up the middle. G'luck.

[Fender playa]

Thanks alot guys, you really helped me out, My first game is next saturday! Ill remember what you guys said!