Attributes of a Good Defender

1. Anticipation
Defenders at the highest level read the game very well and are always one step ahead of their opponents. They study their opponents and anticipate the movement of the person they are defending. Even if their opponents are faster and quicker, they close them down and (usually) beat them to the ball due to their good tactical apprehension/anticipation.

2. Experience
The more experiences a defender has in various defensive situations throughout their development, the more familiar they will become with individual attackers and team offenses. Good defending is not just about how a player tackles. As they gain more experience they will learn to frustrate their opponents and gain a better understanding defensive positioning and support. One of the biggest weaknesses defenders have is lacking patience. A defender should never charge in against an opponent unless they can guarantee they will win the ball.

3. Fitness
Quickness, strength and stamina are the three biggest attributes a defender can possess. Closing down an opponent or initiating pressure and staying goal side of the ball is done with quickness once a defender has evaluated the situation. Strength will help defenders in winning 50-50 balls and when shielding the ball. Stamina is also very important; it allows you to continue to defend at a high level for 90 minutes as opposed to becoming tired and lazy when defending.

4. Defensive skills
Defensive skills are very important for defenders to work on and continually develop in order to stay sharp. Tackling, defensive stance, positioning, heading, and vision are all equally important and it’s what will separate a great defender from an average defender.