Defense is as much about positioning and awareness as it is about tackling. Start defensive training with shadow drills, where one player mirrors another’s movements without trying to take the ball. This teaches players to maintain a proper defensive stance—low center of gravity, knees bent, and body angled to block the attacker’s path. Focus on staying patient and not lunging prematurely, which often leads to fouls or being beaten by skilled attackers.

Introduce 1-on-1 drills, where a defender tries to stop an attacker from scoring or passing. This exercise hones decision-making skills, such as when to close down space or force the attacker to the sideline. Reinforce the importance of teamwork in defense by practicing coordinated drills, like zonal marking or pressing in pairs. Defensive training not only sharpens individual skills but also emphasizes the collective effort needed to prevent goals during matches.