When playing fullback you need to pose good strength and accuracy abilities in order to succeed on this position. You also need to be fast because your mission is to stop your opponent’s fast running forwards from scoring.

Your position on the soccer field will be in the center of your defensive line. Depending on the formation some teams will play with two stoppers in conjunction.

This is common in the 4-4-2 formation. Fullback is the most defensive oriented position on the soccer field and you will not score very often.

As a fullback you must remain in your defense line, and only enter your opponent’s 18 yard box when your team is awarded with a corner or free kick.

By the way, this will probably be the best opportunity for you to score, so try to do everything to get the ball into you opponent’s goal, because you will not get so many scoring opportunities during a regular soccer match as fullback.

Must Have “Skill”

The most important skill as fullback is to have good heading ability and courageousness in one-on-one battles. Keep in mind that your opponents will do everything to score, which requires you to do everything you can to stop them from doing that.

Of course, there will be situations when you need to take a yellow card to prevent your opponents to score, but this is difficult to avoid. To avoid yellow and red cards try always to figure out your opponent’s next move, and do not rush into situations.

Also, instead of tackling your opponents try to calm down and wait until your opponent makes his/her move. This will confuse your opponent and will force him/her to make mistakes. By calming down you will also spare yourself many unnecessary yellow and red cards.

Good Technique is Crucial

Possessing good technique is necessary when playing fullback, especially when serving your teammates with cross passes where precision and accuracy is a must.

Great Players

Many great players have played on the fullback position. One of the greatest is Franco Baresi, who played for the mighty AC MILAN for twenty seasons.

Other great fullback is Fabio Cannavaro who was voted as the best FIFA player in 2006 and was awarded the European Golden Ball award.

Keep in mind to always do your best on the soccer field and never give up even if it seems impossible to win the game. As the old Pele said: a game isn’t over before the referee has blown the whistle.