Defense

Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the goalkeeper, and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. They usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are defending. Good defender must have many skills such as Goal side positioning, Approaching the ball, Preventing the turn, and Tackle the ball, not the legs of the opponent. As we mentioned before there are certain positions related to defense which are: 1 Sweeper/Libero (SW) 2 Centre-back (CB) 3 Full-back (FB/RB/LB) 4 Wingback (WB/RWB/LWB) Now lets try to illustrate each one in detail;

1 Sweeper/Libero (SW) The sweeper must always be the last player in defense. His job is to close down gaps left by other defenders. The libero strolls laterally, a few meters behind the last line of fullbacks. He must try not to sway too far towards the flanks. The sweeper analyzes the shape of plays, anticipates where open angles and passing lanes are forming and make quick decisions about dealing with them. Because they never mark enemy attackers, sweepers can move a great deal forward when their team is in possession of the ball. This frequently finds the enemy defense unprepared as an unmarked player is unexpectedly introduced to the play.Overall, the sweeper should be very perceptive (usually experienced) with good ball handling skills and confidence.

2 Centre-back (CB) Centre-back, also called centre-halves or central defenders,is to stop opposing players, particularly the strikers from scoring, and to bring the ball out from their penalty area. they play in a central position. Most teams employ two centre backs, stationed in front of the goalkeeper. There are two main defensive strategies used by centre backs: the zonal defence, where each centre back covers a specific area of the pitch, and man-to-man marking, where each centre back has the job of covering a particular opposition player. Centre-backs are often tall, strong and have a good jumping, heading and tackling ability. Successful centre-backs also need to be able to concentrate, read the game well, and be brave and decisive in making last-ditch tackles on attacking players who might otherwise be through on goal. Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head is a possibility.

3 Full-back (FB/RB/LB) Fullbacks are the defenders positioned on each side of the stopper.Their main task is to prevent opposition players crossing or cutting the ball back into the penalty area. In some defensive systems, full-backs mark opponents. They cover the space along the entire flank and therefore must be fairly quick. In defense, the fullback usually marks an enemy forward or covers his flank, awaiting incoming enemy wingers. Fullbacks get actively involved in their team's offense by staying wide, making overlapping runs and pushing up the flank. In modern football, it is not uncommon for a free (not marking) fullback to move up the wing and take the position of a winger thus spreading the enemy defense apart. To do this job, fullbacks need to have good speed and stamina.

4 Wingback (WB/RWB/LWB) The wingback is a modern variation on the fullback with heavier emphasis on attack.the difference between the fullback and the wingback is the latter’s willingness to move forward and support attacks. This is achieved either by running with the ball or overlapping the winger running ahead to add width to an attack.

Goalkeeping

The goalkeeper is the most distinguished position in football.He is one of the most important players on the field - they are the last line of defense and the first line of attack. A goalkeeper's job is mainly defensive: to guard the team's goal from being breached. Goalkeeper is the only position defined in the Laws of the Game. Goalkeeper are the only player allowed to touch and catch the ball with his hands and arms, however he is restricted to doing so only within their penalty area; for this reason, he must wear jerseys that distinguish them from other outfield players and the referee. If a goalkeeper is sent off or injured,he is the only player allowed to remedy in the field of play and if there is no substitute goalkeeper available, an outfield player must take the goalkeeper's place and wear the appropriate identifying uniform. The discipline of goalkeeping is so specialised that it is very rare in the professional game for a goalkeeper to play in any other position. A goalkeeper with good technical skill may opt to take his team's penalties and free kicks though this is rare as the goalkeeper would be caught out of position if possession is conceded immediately after the kick. And there are a great examples we will point out them later. The goalkeeper should have special skills such as Physical strength, height, positioning,diving ,jumping ability and judgement in order to deal with aerial balls and agility, quick reactions and a good positional sense are all needed for shot stopping.The standard football skills of ball control, tackling, passing and dribbling are not usually required in a goalkeeper.