Stop the Attackers – The Soccer Fullback position

The fullback in soccer is not an easy position to play. Great responsibility rests on your shoulders. To play this position well, it helps to possess strength, guile and accuracy. It also helps to have speed however it is not as important as the previous three skills. The fullback plays in the centre of the defensive line and this position is often referred to as centreback.

With the most common formation of 4-4-2 the team plays with two fullbacks. The Fullback is the most defensive oriented position on the soccer field and the primary role is to shut out the forwards of the opposition team.

A fullback remains in the back line and rarely pushes forward. A fullback may push foreword for a corner. You will often see a fullback score a header from a corner. There may also be opportunities to move forward when making an interception and following through into open space.

Generally a fullback will use his or her strength when marking the opposition forward, jostling for the ball or getting up for a header. Guile is needed to read the play of the opposition team and to react quickly to intercept passes. Accuracy is needed to time your tackles and get the ball off the opposition player. If you get beaten then you’re going to need some speed to catch your opponent. Your opponent will do everything to score, so you must be prepared to give everything you have to stop them from doing that.

When it’s your job to do everything to stop the opposition from scoring, this may mean intentionally or unintentionally getting a yellow or even red card. Fullbacks have more of these cards than any other position that is played. To avoid yellow and red cards try always to figure out your opponent’s next move and don’t rush

Instead of rushing in to make a tackle, stand up, relax and watch the ball. This will often take your opponent by surprise and may confuse him into making a mistake. This will be your opportunity to take the ball away from them, and getting your team on the attack.

Possessing good technique is necessary when playing fullback. Watching players who play in your position is a great way to learn technique. Great fullbacks to watch are Fabio Cannavaro, John Terry, Carlos Puyol and Rio Ferdinand to name but a few.

Get out there and stop those attackers!