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The Left Fullback

Whether you wish to play left fullback or right fullback your position will always be either on the right or on the left side of your stopper. Your main task as left/right fullback is to cover the space along your entire flank. To perform this mission you need to be a good runner. This doesn’t mean running under 11 seconds with a ball at your feet, instead, you must be fast enough to catch your opponents.

Soccer Positions - Left Fullback

While playing in defense as left/right fullback you will normally mark your opponents nearest forward or cover his/her flank, awaiting opponents incoming wingers. You will also be actively involved in your team’s offensive attacks, therefore you need to stay wide, make overlapping runs and push up the flank.

In modern soccer it is not unusual for a non marking left/right fullback to move up the wing and take the position of the winger, which will spread opponent’s defense apart. Normally, a left/right fullback will always be more offensive comparing to the central fullback. As a left/right fullback you will also need to have good control on the ball and enough skill to get around your opponents and serve your forwards with quality crosses.

One of the most common situations on the field when playing as left/right fullback will be the one on one duel with your opponent’s forwards.

How to beat your opponents forward as left fullback

Whenever you have a one on one situation with your opponents forward, and he/she has the ball, what options are there for you to get the ball?

• First, you need to keep your eyes on the ball, and don’t be distracted by his/her foot movements.

• Second, wait for the right moment when he/she touches the ball a slight bit too far away to control it completely.

• Third, try to get a touch on the ball to kick it out of play or even better, steal the ball to perform a contra attack. Don’t just kick the ball into space; instead try always to do the best of the current situation. If you don’t have any alternative, then fine, just kick the ball to throw in, but try to avoid that as often you can.

If you wish to become a good left/right fullback you will need to practice often and always try to do your best. I am discussing this position more comprehensively in The Ultimate Guide To Soccer Positions. If you have time to check it out I strongly recommend you to do so.

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