All defenders should consider their roles with the following in order of priorities:
Intercept
Read the game in order to anticipate the intended pass.
Position yourself in order to win the ball. Be well balanced to move quickly, keep low and disguise your intentions and deceive the man with the ball? Judge the speed of the pass.
Decision as to what to do having made the interception, first time clearance ? Hold the ball ?What kind of pass ? Where to release the ball ? How to deliver it ? When to deliver it ?
Pressure
Stop him turning.
Jockey
Get his head down.
Position yourself between the ball and the goal - 2 yards away.
Stop the ball being played past you.
Be close enough to stop any shot.
Tackle if you are able to win the ball.
Keep on your toes, sideways movements when close to the ball. If you must give space, where will you force the player ? - Away from goal if possible - can you direct him to where your teammates are ?
Balance/Cover
Position to cover any colleague.
Assess the direction of the next pass.
Move in to pressure if teammate beaten.
When to mark men, when to cover space?
Communicate instructions to man in front. Tell him inside or outside.
Marking especially from crosses
Be aware of man and ball; get your shoulder in front. Make sure you are marking in normal play on the ball side, keep your feet moving. When moving and adjusting your position move your head first as it is the heaviest part of your body. The first yard is vital. Be aware of all movements to the side and behind and in front.
Communicate - Know your role when the opposition has the ball.
Recovery Runs
Know how to recover when the ball is played past you e.g. lines of recovery flanks and middle of the field. Do not recover too far. Recover to where you can put pressure on the ball, cover teammates or cover space.
Defending in and around the Penalty Area
Be first to the ball, clear high, wide and long if possible. This gives us time
to adjust our position. Communicate; Be mentally strong.
It is the psychologically tougher team in tight matches, which gets the result.