Soccer training drills and soccer fitness involves a lot of running, short sprints and longer distance running, however there is one key aspect of soccer training and defensive soccer drills that is overlooked in a large number of soccer training programs.

The ability to run backwards quickly and effectively is integral to a teams defensive patterns. Running backwards is used mainly as a defensive measure where a player is required to track their opponent who has made a run with or without the ball. The player is required to keep the opposition player in his or her sights whilst at the same time keeping their eye on the ball and be as close to that opposition player as a situation warrants. When coaching youth soccer, this should be emphasized early in a child’s development at [tag-tec]soccer training[/tag-tec].

Soccer has developed into a fast technical game in which all players have to adjust constantly and demonstrate a high level of skills in defensive and attacking strategies. Soccer training techniques are becoming more advanced and there are new technologies being developed to measure player’s effectiveness and reaction time under all performance situations.

There is however some basic principles and strategies that players need to be aware of and incorporated into their [tag-tec]soccer training[/tag-tec] sessions. You may have noticed, that some players tend to turn and run beside their opponent or turn and chase backwards. This can lead to poor defensive positioning and can quickly lead to a team losing their defensive shape. In defense, when the other team has the ball, players will find they have to adjust quickly to get into a positive defensive position behind the ball. The skill is used to delay the forward movement of the opposition player and is called ‘jockeying’ or “holding up”. By executing this skill effectively and delaying the forward movement of the ball player, it allows time for the other defensive players to get back behind the ball to provide cover and depth to the defensive shape of the team.

A player must be able to track opposition players without the ball. To do this, a player must be able to track running backwards. It is estimated that a defensive player will use this skill for approximately 6% of the game. A player should be able to run backwards over a short distance say (10 to 20 meters) as fast as they can run forward.

Coaching Tips

The following points should assist a player in developing the correct technique for running backwards and be reinforced at soccer training:

• The ball of the foot should land momentarily ahead of the heel. When sprinting backwards, the foot plant is higher on the ball of the foot and towards the toes.

• The linear position of the foot dictates the stride length which is an important part of a runner’s ability to develop efficient backward motion.

• Over extension creates a waste of energy and there appears to be a direct relationship between oxygen intake and stride length.

• Under striding is also less efficient but is not so detrimental as an overly long stride.

• The arms are a major component in the creation of balanced backward motion and should move the shoulders without causing any sway.

• The elbow becomes the driving force for balance and speed.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this drill at soccer training as well as any soccer fitness program that is implemented. A couple of helpful [tag-tec]soccer training drills[/tag-tec] to assist in practicing this at soccer training can be running backwards and then turning quickly and sprinting on a given signal. Additionally, organize the players in pairs with one player running at the other with the ball and ensure the defensive player practices ‘jockeying” the player running at them.