OFFENSE OR DEFENSE

Ask a player what position they play, and they may respond by saying "offense" or "defense"

Players have to realize that regardless of their position (forward, striker, midfielder, halfback, marking back, fullback, sweeper, keeper etc) when their team has the ball, they are on offense and when the other team has the ball, they are on defense. This means when their team has the ball, even the fullbacks have to think about supporting and getting into the attack at all times. This also means that when the opponent has the ball, the forwards have to think about defending right away.

Part of this problem comes from coaches who will separate a team into two by putting attacking players in one group and defending players in the other group. This is counterproductive to the team and the individuals since each player is only learning to play half the game.

As a basic rule of thumb, backs might be further back then forwards in the attack and if a back does go forward, it might be necessary for a forward or midfielder to come back into his/her spot and this is all part of being a soccer player.

When your team has the ball, think "attack" and when the other team has the ball think, "defend" and you will be on your way to being a complete soccer player.