At some point in a game, your team may be under pressure from the attacking team.  There will be a need for the defenders to clear the ball out of the defensive area.

If you are using your head or feet to make a defensive clearance,   In order for the clearance to be considered successful, three things must happen.

• Height – The defensive clearance must be high and away from the ground.
• Width – The defensive clearance must be wide and away from the middle of the field.
• Distance – The clearance must be far away from the goal you are defending.

Clearing the ball high gives other defenders on your team time to reorganize defensively.  Clearing the ball far and wide prevents an immediate attack on goal.  So the next time you are attempting to clear a ball in a game or in practice, remember height, width and distance.

The Cut Back

Wouldn’t it be neat if you invented a soccer dribbling move and it became famous.  Especially a dribbling move that is taught to every soccer player in the world at an early age.  Well, The Dutch legend Johan Cruff  mad  the Cruyff turn or as it is somtimes called, the “Cut Back Move” famous.

The Cut Back is a dribbling move that all soccer players should master before the age of 12.  It’s a move that is used to get pass opposing defenders. It can be used as a fake shot, a fake pass, a fake cross  or  just to create space.

Even the best players in the world uses the “Cut Back” move.  Why don’t you? 

Although there are many young soccer players that  practice the “Cut Back” move, they have no idea who made it famous.

 Take a look at the the  Dutch legend that made  the “Cut Back” move famous.  In this video Yohan uses the “Cut Back” move to fake the cross to get by his opponent.

More of Yohan Cruyff

A few tips for young soccer players to remember when defending and attacking.
 
In General

• Be positive, avoid being negative to your teammates.
• Give your best at all times, both in practice and games.
• Communicate on the field. Every time you make a pass you should give some type of instruction. (eg. man on, turn, etc.)
• Smile and enjoy the game.

 
When Defending:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look around to see who is free and who needs to be marked up. Don’t be afraid to call on someone to mark up.
• Always get behind the ball on defense.
• Always stay goal side when defending.
• Be aggressive when tackling.
• Slow down attackers by jockeying. Do not commit yourself by dividing in unless you are 100% sure of winning the ball.

 
When Attacking:

• Be able to strike the ball with both feet.
• Always look around before receiving a pass.
• Don’t hide behind opposing players and call for the ball.
• Move to the correct angles to give support.
• Don’t be afraid to take on defenders when necessary.
• Shoot in tight spaces, especially when a keeper is not expecting you to shoot.