Types of Defenses in Football

When we talk about football, we usually identify players by their main position: forward, center, defense or goalkeeper. However, in each of these positions,  there are different specialties, especially in the defensive zone. So let’s explain what are the different types of defenses in football 11, and then we will name some of the best in history.

Central defense

As the name implies, the central defense is located in the center of the area. It is a very important position since all the defense is constructed from this figure.

A good defense that occupies this position has to be organized and skilled to cut off the attack of the rival team. It must also be fast both in the game and in your thinking because in a matter of seconds you will have to make decisions that define the outcome of a play.

Libero

This defense plays more or less in the same area as the central defense, with the particularity that it is free to move forward on the lines when it deems appropriate. It is normal for it to be the last defensive line before reaching the goal, although it can also launch into the attack if you see the opportunity, or as support to break the opposing defense while the front of your team goes up. Although the word comes from Italian, this figure was born in Germany, when Frank Beckenbauer used it in 72.

Stopper

Also called court defense, it can accompany a libero ahead of it, halfway between the last line and the center of the field.

The stopper anticipates the attack and tries to cut the play before it reaches the danger zone. You can also have a specific player assigned if a zonal defense is not organized, but the man.

This defense has to be fast, as it may need to cover different areas. You must also be cunning and play with the regulation to force the offside, dry cutting the opposite attack.

Side or tip

Located at one end of the field, the sides are responsible for blocking the entry of attacks by the flanks. In turn, they start the play of their team to take the ball to the opposite danger zone and try to culminate a rival attack on their own. The defenders who play in this demarcation usually have a wider playing area than other defenders, since they handle almost the entire band until the forward receives the ball. Because of this, its speed has to be as much as possible, always maintaining control of the game with or without the ball.

The best defenses in history

In our blog about football, we have talked about the best players in history according to their position. You can take a look at the history of legends such as the aforementioned Beckenbauer, Maldini, the great Roberto Carlos or Carles Puyol, among others. Players who despite not scoring many goals, played an essential role in their teams and teams.