Before You Throw-in the Towel; Try These few Defensive Skills Used in Football

DEFENDERS are generally referred to as stoppers in any soccer team

One of the greatest defenders to have worn the green and white jerseys is Uche ‘Gentle Giant’ Okechukwu. He was so reliable that other players invested so much trust in his defensive skills or abilities to stop attackers terrorising Nigerian territories. When other player moved forward to attack opponents, Uche would stand behind as a solid rock of the defence – and most goalkeepers of his time knew he had to be beaten before they could be defeated.

Defenders must be:

(a)  Good with their heads:

Their heading abilities will help them defend effectively during corner and spot kicks.

(b) Good with their legs as it enables them to tackle and wade-off offensive attacks and even outrun the opponents.

(c)  Calculative, because a slight mistake on their parts might plunge the team into chaos. They don’t jump for nothing, run for nothing or commits unnecessary stunt or blunder in front of the goal post.

(d) Strong and energetic. Weaknesses and lack of stamina should never be seen in them.

(e)  Tireless. When other players are wearied, they are the tonics that agitate them to do more.

(f)   Focused. When the goals aren’t forthcoming as expected, the defenders must keep their concentration at 100% or more because a slight turn-off on their side might spell a doom for the team.

(g)  Have sharp sights. Their abilities to see, perceive and predict the game (or teammates and opponents) depends on how far they can see the velocity or acceleration at which the ball is travelling and this ability will also enable them read their opponents tactical moves effectively.

(h) Must be agile and flexible. A strong defender doesn’t only need to stand as rock; his reflex must be agile and superb like that of a cat.

Since a goalkeeper is categorised as a defender, he should be able to keep tab on the tempo of the match. If he falls, he should rise immediately as a waste of a centi-second can be costly to the team’s success.

(i)   Defenders sometime beef-up the attacking force or even score goals when the attackers are not delivering results.  Before they can make such moves, they will ensure that they can quickly make a comeback or else their team’s hope might be dashed through a counter-attack.

(j)   Defenders have a good view of the whole pitch. They see more than most attackers and are good at distributing passes, long thrusts and can easily coordinate activities of other players from their positions.

Today:

1.     What are the ideals that you need to tackle head-on to ensure you win?

2.    What are the likely limitations to your winning chances?

3.    Be faithful with yourself. What are the likely resources you will need in order to achieve your desired goals?

4.    Have you been calculating or avoiding risks?

For example, a defender will not contest for an aerial ball if it’s too far from his reach and he might decide to stay calm if he believes he might be injured by other charging players.

The former approach is calculating risk whilst the latter is avoiding risks.

5.    If you had discovered your strongest negotiation point (SNP); where do you think you can falter and how will you curb such weaknesses?

6.    How can you overcome your weaknesses?

For example; if your marriage or business must not come to an abrupt end, what would you do to stay in the game?

7.    If your real goal is winning; what will you do when you are provoked to give-up?

Remember, an obstacle is what you see when you take your eyes off your targets.

8.    How do you see the future of your venture? Do you have counsellors, advisers or coaches for it? If not, list out those who can or should be.

9.    Have you heard of insurance, family/business savings or target account, or legal requirements for such? If not, enquire and get into it.

10. In which area of your life do you think you are too rigid? You feel undaunted, trying the same thing over and over and not really achieving success – that’s called madness.

What can you alter in order to move forward?

NB: A body continues in its state of rest or continuous motion unless a force is applied to it.

How can you become more flexible without altering your goals or rules of the game?

11. What drastic adjustments do you need to make in order to piece together the ruins of your decisions?

NB: Some wastes or by-products will make good raw materials or finished goods to earn additional income.

Increase your focus on what you do have and reduce your attention on what you want.

12.  How can you save your business, company, marriage, family, association or church from total collapse?