Defensive Soccer Positions

Defensive Soccer Positions

If you enjoy playing in defense, you’ll need to decide which defensive soccer position is right for you. There are a few different options to choose from, each with its own requirements and responsibilities.

Center Back

A center back (CB, also known as a central defender) plays in the middle of the defensive line. A standard 4-4-2 formation consists of two center backs with a fullback on each side. Center backs rarely move into attacking positions. They stay back to protect their goal from opposition attacks.

Sweeper

The sweeper (SW) role is very specialized. It’s quite a rare position in modern soccer, although some teams, particularly in continental Europe and Latin America, still use a sweeper. The sweeper plays between the goalkeeper and the defensive line. It’s his or her job to “sweep up” any loose balls, providing an extra layer of defense. Some sweepers are given a free role (known as a libero), allowing them to move into more offensive areas if needed.

Fullback

Fullbacks take up wide positions in the defensive line, with a left back (LB) to the left of the central defenders and a right back (RB) on the right-hand side. Fullbacks defend against opposition attacks coming down the wings. If needed, they can also move into central positions to plug gaps in the defense. Unlike center backs, fullbacks often move up the field to assist with attacking plays (typically providing crosses from wide positions).

Wingback

Wingbacks (WB) are a cross between wingers and fullbacks. In reality, the wingback role is often more offensive than defensive. For this reason, wingbacks normally play in formations with three center backs (5-3-2 or 3-5-2 formation). The extra center back allows the wingback to attack more freely. Wingbacks need to be incredibly fit (and fast, ideally) because they constantly run up and down the wing from defense to attack and back again.

Defensive Midfielder

If you prefer playing in midfield but still want a defensive soccer role, your best option is to become a defensive midfielder (DM, sometimes called a holding midfielder or midfield anchor). A defensive midfielder helps protect the defensive line from a midfield position. Unlike traditional central midfielders (who go forward with most attacking plays), defensive midfielders are expected to stay back and shield their defenders from opposition attacks.