This is the complete presentation for the center back/ stopper position. In this article we're going to look at all of the details we need to know about playing this position.
Let's get started.
Main responsibilities:
Defending: Clearing the ball, disrupting, using physiqality to win duels (on the ground or aerial)
Support: Staying in line with the other center back partner (or partners)
Attack: Being a threat during set pieces
Defense
The main phylosophy for the stopper is to be defense first. Therefore it is not expected from him to take risks with the ball. Regarding the playing style with the ball, it is advised to keep it simple. When it comes to defending, when you have this role, it is expected from you to have courage and agressiveness
in order to win the toughest battles on the pitch. No-nonsense mentality indeed, clear the ball, disrupt things, take out (rough tackles and fouls) the opponents if it's needed.
Defensive tricks and skills
In today's game due to the installation of VAR, the stopper can't get away with some old school tricks like they did in that past, like stepping on opponents foot before they jump , during a corner or other set piece. But there are still some tactics that could be used in order to gain advantage over your opponents.
Pulling the shirt
This is for everywhere except the penalty area, of course. By slightly pulling the shirt, in a situation where that could be less obvious and impactfull, you can slow down the player. Combine pulling the shirt + placing a foot near his foot in order to block movement, but don't trip the player.
Aerial manipulaion
Judge when the ball is going to fall near you and the player you mark. Either jump earlier or later. Never jump at the same time as the opponent. This doesn't apply for corner kicks or set pieces because that's little bit different, since the opponent is most likely turned sideways to the goal.
Blocking space
How to learn this? Pick a spot on the pitch and learn about how strikers usually want to move and end up shooting the ball. Learn their movement for the particular spots, and decide how to position yourself and which space to block with your body.
Note: In the penalty area, make sure your hands are not moving around, in order to avoid conceiding a penalty.
Characteristics and abilities to have as a stopper:
Physicality
Strenght
Jumping
IQ
Tackling
Marking
Team Defense
Positioning
Anticipation
Agression
Stamina
Players to study from:
Alessandro Nesta
Carles Puyol
Fabio Cannavaro
John Terry
Franco Baresi
Nemanja Vidic
Virgil Van Dijk
VIDEO: Explaining "The Stopper" role in football
.
Comments
Post a Comment