← Back to the pitch Center-Back Wins aerial and ground duels against the opposition's forwards, reads danger before it develops, and is trusted with the ball to start attacks from the back.
Train for this role → In possession Plays the first pass out of defense, either short to build through midfield or long to bypass the opposition's press.
Out of possession Wins individual duels against forwards in the air and on the ground, and steps out to close down attackers before they can turn and face goal.
How to play it › Hold the defensive line together. Dropping off alone invites forwards to play in behind› Step out to press only when a teammate is covering the space vacated› Scan before receiving the ball so the first touch can go forward, not just sideways› Communicate with the goalkeeper and full-backs to shift the line as a unitCommon mistakes − Ball-watching and losing track of a forward's run in behind− Stepping out of the line without a covering teammate− Panicked clearances when a simple pass out was onComing soon: video drill demos for this role.