The 1990 World Cup in Italy was infamous for generating the lowest-ever goals per game average. Since then, tactical thought has focused heavily and consistently on flexible attacking designed to break down and defeat defending in depth. This book argues that the next tactical revolution belongs to the defending side of the ball, and it features complex, layered defending, blending postures and pressures designed to keep an attacking team off balance throughout the match. There are many quality coaches in the game at every level who feel that defending is more about mentality than tactics, that defending topics do not need to be part of every training session. This book seeks to reestablish balance in tactical planning and in training design by examining every aspect of individual and team defending, making it easy for the coach to incorporate tackling, defending roles, pressing, defending set-pieces, and many more topics into team training. With more than 190 defending drills to train players, it is the complete guide to mastering defending in soccer.
