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Soccer Tackling and DefendingThere is alot more to soccer defending than just tackling. It involves decision making and taking up positions which will help you win the ball or prevent your opponents from using it to good effect. You should challenge for the ball when you feel confident of winning it. Keep your eye on the ball and try not to focus on any feints or dummies that your opponent might throw at you. You can also try feints to tackle, force the error or opening you are looking for.Remember, when the opposition are in possession of the ball, everyone has to defend. strikers can be regarded as the front line of defence. They should be the first to put pressure on the opponents. Strikers most likely wont win the ball against 4 defenders but tehy can cut down thinking time and force them to hurry them into making a mistake.
Challenge the opponent using the Block Tackle to win the ball and keep pressure on the attacker. Interceptions. Be alert for under-hit balls or misdirected pass. If you can steal the ball before it reaches the intended receiver, you wont have to tackle him. Jockey and be patient. Even if the attacker is able to turn successfully, the pressure is still on him. The longer he retains possession, the more likely he is going to make a mistake. Try to force you opponent into less dangerous areas to prevent them from having a decent shot on goal. If things get desperate, use the Slide Tackle to knock the ball from under the attackers feet or even win the ball. Do not rush things on jump straight in. Bide your time and wait for on opening. Stay ready and keep your eye on the ball at all times.
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Always stay goalside of your opponent. Defenders must always try to keep pressure on the opponents and win possesion back and minimise threat levels. Stay close to the person you are marking so when they receive the ball, they'll be under pressure right away and have more of a chance of making a mistake. 
