Soccer Positions Archives - Soccer Coaching Pro

What Does a Stopper Do in Soccer? (Explained)

While it’s seldom seen in the professional game today, the stopper position is a fantastic role for teaching young players the art of defending.

Paired alongside a sweeper in the centre of defence, the stopper is expected to win every tackle and aerial challenge and not be afraid to put their body on the line.

As the more aggressive of the two central defenders, they’re expected to quickly put pressure on the opposition’s strikers, nip in to intercept the ball, and stop dangerous moves in their tracks.

While the modern game now puts a lot more emphasis on centrebacks being comfortable on the ball and starting moves from the back, the stopper position is all about defending and doing everything possible to stop a goal from being scored.

In this article, you’ll read about how soccer teams line up with a stopper, what stoppers are expected to do, and what the key requirements are for playing the position.

What is a ‘False 9’ in Soccer? (Explained)

Throughout the history of soccer, tactical innovations have continually pushed the game forward as each generation of coaches has looked to gain an advantage over their opponents. While the ‘False 9’ has been used to great effect in recent years by Guardiola’s mesmerising Barcelona and Del Bosque’s Spain who won Euro 2012, the role surprisingly dates […]

How to Dominate as a Fullback in Soccer (Tips and Secrets)

The fullback position in soccer is one of the toughest on the pitch… They’re expected to cover the entire flank while supporting the team in attack and remaining solid at the back. During a game, that’s a long list of responsibilities. Understanding when to push up and support the team out wide and when to sit back […]

How to Dominate as a Soccer Goalie (Tips and Secrets)

As the last line of defence, the soccer goalie is the final obstacle standing in the way of the opposition team scoring a goal. As such, it’s a high pressure position where any mistake can mean disaster for the team. To keep a clean sheet and give their team the best chance of victory, the soccer goalie […]

How to Dominate as a Center Back in Soccer (Tips and Secrets)

Along with the goalkeeper at the back and central midfielders in front, the center backs form the spine of the team’s defense. With little regard for their own safety, center backs use their impressive physique and brilliant reading of the game to position themselves in the right spots to clear dangerous balls. In years gone by, center […]

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