1. Fullbacks on the Field
The number of fullbacks, also called defenders, on the soccer field depends on each team's formation. Soccer teams can position their 11 players on the field in any configuration. A common formation consists of a left and right fullback playing with a center fullback, also called a stopper. The stopper plays slightly in front of the left and right fullbacks. The sweeper is the fourth defender in this configuration and plays behind the fullbacks as the last line of defense before the goalie. The defensive line typically plays in a diamond formation. Some teams opt to use two stoppers.
2. Defense, Defense, Defense
The job of the fullbacks is to prevent the other team from taking shots on their goal. This is typically done by choosing an opposing striker and staying with that player for the duration of the game. Most teams choose this strategy because it's less confusing than having the fullbacks mark players depending on where the players move on the field. This means that although the right fullback begins the game on the right side of the field, she could spend the majority of the game playing on the left side. It's important that fullbacks feel comfortable anywhere on the field.
3. The Courageous and the Quick
Fullbacks can't be afraid of getting hit, either by the ball or an opposing player. Flinching could cost the team a goal. During an opposing teams penalty kick, the fullbacks often set up a wall to prevent the ball from traveling farther than 10 yards. To set up a wall, the fullbacks stand the mandated 10 yards from the ball. They stand shoulder to shoulder so there's no space between the players. If the wall works, the ball will deflect off the fullbacks. Defenders also need to be quick as they often find themselves in a footrace with an opposing forward for a loose ball.
4. When Fullbacks Attack
When their team is on offense, the fullbacks can press forward to provide support during the attack. Fullbacks should call for passes when the team's midfielders and forwards can't move the ball forward. Fullbacks should also take possession of the ball to give the midfielders and forwards time to organize. The best soccer teams pass the ball backward as well as forward. Some fullbacks have the strength to shoot the ball from outside the 18-yard box.
5. Hone Their Skills
Fullbacks benefit from drills that require the players to compete against each other, particularly keep away games. A good defensive drill consists of four defenders and a goalie defending against three strikers. The strikers attempt to score on a full-sized goal while the defenders aim for two small goals. Fullbacks, as well as strikers, need to spend time each practice playing one on one.
The number of fullbacks, also called defenders, on the soccer field depends on each team's formation. Soccer teams can position their 11 players on the field in any configuration. A common formation consists of a left and right fullback playing with a center fullback, also called a stopper. The stopper plays slightly in front of the left and right fullbacks. The sweeper is the fourth defender in this configuration and plays behind the fullbacks as the last line of defense before the goalie. The defensive line typically plays in a diamond formation. Some teams opt to use two stoppers.
2. Defense, Defense, Defense
The job of the fullbacks is to prevent the other team from taking shots on their goal. This is typically done by choosing an opposing striker and staying with that player for the duration of the game. Most teams choose this strategy because it's less confusing than having the fullbacks mark players depending on where the players move on the field. This means that although the right fullback begins the game on the right side of the field, she could spend the majority of the game playing on the left side. It's important that fullbacks feel comfortable anywhere on the field.
3. The Courageous and the Quick
Fullbacks can't be afraid of getting hit, either by the ball or an opposing player. Flinching could cost the team a goal. During an opposing teams penalty kick, the fullbacks often set up a wall to prevent the ball from traveling farther than 10 yards. To set up a wall, the fullbacks stand the mandated 10 yards from the ball. They stand shoulder to shoulder so there's no space between the players. If the wall works, the ball will deflect off the fullbacks. Defenders also need to be quick as they often find themselves in a footrace with an opposing forward for a loose ball.
4. When Fullbacks Attack
When their team is on offense, the fullbacks can press forward to provide support during the attack. Fullbacks should call for passes when the team's midfielders and forwards can't move the ball forward. Fullbacks should also take possession of the ball to give the midfielders and forwards time to organize. The best soccer teams pass the ball backward as well as forward. Some fullbacks have the strength to shoot the ball from outside the 18-yard box.
5. Hone Their Skills
Fullbacks benefit from drills that require the players to compete against each other, particularly keep away games. A good defensive drill consists of four defenders and a goalie defending against three strikers. The strikers attempt to score on a full-sized goal while the defenders aim for two small goals. Fullbacks, as well as strikers, need to spend time each practice playing one on one.
