Expert: Stuart Young - 8/8/2008

Question
I was playing in a pick-up game this past week with my friends and the man i was marking while playing Right fullback was quicker then me, i was wondering what a good way to defend him would be. he also had really good foot skills which threw me off balance a little. Any tips?

Answer
Hi,

Your positioning is the key to being able to defend well against players like that. If he is a regular outlet player i.e. he gets balls played through to him or over the defence to run onto then you need to be at least 5 yards away from him so you have a clear start on him when he tries to run onto the ball.

When the ball is played to his feet though you need to be touch tight. You can't let him turn you. If you are able to touch him then you are close enough. Also, don't dive in on players that are quick, always hold them up and stay on your feet. Make him pass the ball and you have done your job.

Another key defensive idea for a fullback is to lead the player onto his wrong foot. If you can establish quickly in the game which foot he favours using then you know which will be his weakest. Try and position your body when he has the ball in a way that will result him using his weaker foot. If you succeed with this one then it is likely that he will make a mistake. He will either favour cutting inside you or outside you. Whatever he favours, try to do the opposite and lead him in the other direction.

I hope this makes sense Dillon?