The Complete Guide to Soccer Positions: Center Back

Welcome to Part IV of the Complete Guide to Soccer Positions!

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If you haven’t yet, check out our previous posts in the series to help round out your understanding of each position on the pitch!

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Part I – Center Defensive Midfield (CDM)

Part II – Outside Back

Part III – Winger

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In today’s post we'll be spending time looking into another defensive position, the Center Back. Usually some of the biggest, tallest and most physical players on the pitch, the center back is the backbone of a teams backline and plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet and helping the team secure a win… or at least a tie.

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What does a center back do?

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Defend:

It goes without saying, the primary role of a center back is to defend. In most team shapes they will serve as the final defender or “last man.” They typically mark the opponent’s forwards, defend 1v1 and support their outside backs by providing cover. Additionally, as typically bigger players, they are relied upon to win aerial battles against the usually smaller attacking players.

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Organize & Communicate:

Center backs are typically the last field player in the team shape and have the advantage of being able to see the entire field in front of them. Because of their unique vantage point, they are usually responsible for organizing the defense and communicating with their teammates. When under attack by the opposing team, their positioning and communication is the glue that holds the defensive shape together. When in possession, they must remain connected to the shape, often to provide a negative pass option for players higher up the field.

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Lead & Inspire:

Center back is one of the most common positions for a team captain to hold. Given their inclination to be strong and organized under pressure, center backs often find themselves responsible for providing leadership on and off the field.

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What skills does a center back need?

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Tackling:

A center back should be proficient in tackling, both to winthe ball back and to disrupt opposition attacks.

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Heading:

Center backs are usually the tallest players on the team and are expected to be able to win aerial challenges and clear the ball away from danger with their head.

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Passing:

Center backs should be able to distribute the ball effectively and make smart passes to teammates while under pressure from the opposing team.

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Reading the Game:

A center back should be able to quickly analyze, anticipateand react to the surrounding situation. An extra moment of hesitation or oneextra touch can be the difference between flowing into a successful attack orlosing possession.

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Physicality:

A center back should also be physically strong and able to cope with the demands of the position, including tackling, running, and battling for the ball.

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Who to watch?

Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool FC (English Premier League)

Sergio Ramos – Paris Saint Germaine (Ligue 1)

Raphael Varane – Manchester United (English Premier League)

Thiago Silva – Chelsea FC (English Premier League)

Josko Gvardiol – RB Lepzig (Budesliga)

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In conclusion, the role of a center back is a crucial one insoccer and requires a player to be strong, fast and smart. Center backs areresponsible for defending, organizing and supporting the attack, and to besuccessful in this role, a player should be proficient in tackling, passing andreading the game. With these skills, a center back can make a big impact onboth sides of the ball.

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