Mark your opponent so tightly that no one is able to pass to them, (unless your zone marking). Sticking close is called man-to-man marking.

Be able to run backwards over a short distance say (10 to 20 meters) as fast as you can run forward.

Adjust quickly to get into a positive defensive position behind the ball in order to delay the forward movement of the opposition player. This denies your opponent time and space, and it’s a good tactic to allow your team-mates to get back in position to provide cover and depth to the defensive shape of the team.

Maintain a defensive stance - a slightly crouched position and have your knees flexed. From this position you will be able to move in any direction quickly. Position your legs in a staggered stance having one of your legs ahead of the other.

Sprint to close down space as quickly, around 5 yards from the attacker slow down and take steps backwards to match the pace of the attacker.

One way to have players recall the proper way to defend is by the term "Quick, Slow, Sideways, Low".

• Quick - refers to the defender speed while closing down the attacker with the ball. This should be done at a full-speed sprint and it is often best to close down the ball when the ball is in flight.

• Slow - refers to the defenders ability to change the speed and direction required to start moving in the same direction of the attacker.

• Sideways - refers to the body positioning often used when defending. The defender should turn their body in a 45 degree angle to create the largest amount of defensive area. If the defender was to face forward, the attacker could then go around or between the defender’s legs. If the defender turns perpendicular to the attacker, the attacker could easily attack the backside of the defender and have the advantage. However, if the defender positions their body in a 45 degree angle, they will have covered the largest area of space giving them an advantage to channel the attacker.

• Low - refers to the defenders body position, which should be bent knees with weight on the balls of the feet, chest leaning over the toes and low center of gravity for greater explosion / quick change of direction.

Stay with your opponent. You don’t have to take the ball away from your opponent, just stay in front of your opponent so that they are not able to shoot. Have patience, often proper pressure will cause the attacker to lose the ball. When they make a mistake, that is when you take the ball.

Play hard with intensity - don’t give up even if you get beat, track back towards the goal.

Don’t do sliding tackles. If you fail to steal the ball, the carrier can pass you easily.

Be fast. If someone tries to pass to your opponent, get to the ball first and look out for passes that you can intercept.

Prevent goal access:

• If your opponent receives the ball, don’t let them turn their body toward the goal.
• Block. If the opponent has the ball and is facing the goal, don’t give them room to shoot. Stay within a couple feet. If he or she shoots, be in the way to block it.
• If your opponent moves, move with them. Stay on your toes. If you must give your opponent room, do it toward the sidelines, in other words, steer them away from the goal into an area where they can do the least damage.
• Don’t let your opponent get past you. Stay on your toes and be ready to sprint at any time.

Never try to reach in and "stab" ("swipe") for the ball. Good attackers will use this over commitment to their advantage by spinning and playing the ball into the space left by the open defender. Just stay close, apply pressure and wait for your opportunity.

Use your team support. If you have a teammate behind you (supporting you), you can look to try to take the ball from your opponent. If your the last defender between the goal, don’t try.

Be aggressive and intimidating within the legal limits. Make your opponent think about you, not what else is going on around the field.

Watch your opponent from the sidelines and study his or her 1-on-1 moves and habits.

Contain / delay as best you can. If there aren’t a lot of defenders in your half of the field, contain your opponent, slowing him or her down and create time for help to arrive. If there are plenty of defenders in your half of the field, you can be a little more agressive.

Know the speed and abilities of your opposing team well and how they compare to yours. Take risks accordingly.

Occasionally look around and be aware of other players around the field. Try to anticipate where your opponent is going to pass. Be aware of where you can move or how you can position yourself to help out your own teammates as well.

Use deception. Deception is as powerful as speed. If your opponent thinks you’re passive, you can surprise them.

Never watch your opponent’s feet. Watch the ball.

Stay goalside. That means stay in between your player and the goal.

Wait until your opppnent makes a mistake, then go in. Attack quickly when there’s an advantage or an opportunity.

If your player does get by you, stay in pursuit. The object is to get goal side, in a good defending position, as quickly as possible, keeping the pressure on and often forcing a mistake.

Adopt a slightly sideways body position to move quickly in any direction. Through correct positioning, marking and reading, a player can often intercept balls meant for their opponent or force an opponent to make a hurried decision resulting in a loss of possession.

Always think at least one move ahead of everyone else.