Outside Defenders (Marking Backs)/Wing Backs
- in past was only expected to help defend but in modern game are expected to contribute to the attack
- Wing backs generally more attack minded and due limitations on formations try to fill the role of wing midfielder position through overlapping runs
- 4-4-2/5-3-2 outside backs wing backs because they are needed to server ball and add more numbers in the midfield
- Wing backs are required to have great endurance because they have to play all aspects of the field
- Main difference is overlap and extra attacker provided by Wing backs
- Outside Defenders get the nickname marking backs because one of their main responsibilities is marking players
- Outside Defenders are called that because they sit outside of center backs
- They will generally be there regardless of formation
- Their width will change depending on formation though
- 3 in the back will require the Outside Defenders to play closer to the middle and also require the outside midfielders to provide that width
in defense
- whereas 5 in the back will push the Outside Defenders closer to the line to provide the width in defense
- 4-4-2 outside defenders split the difference between 3 and 5. This is why it is considered the most balance formation and generally the base
formation in today's game. It balances the workload across everyone.
- Inverted Full Backs
- Fairly new to game
- Pep Guardiola known for it
- outside backs push in front of defending midfielders and pinch in towards center of field.
- Causes lots of hard decisions for defending team to work out
- Article about it in show notes
Main Responsibilities of Outside Defenders (Marking Backs)
- Prevent service into the box
- Protect the outer thirds of the field (areas outside goalbox (expand))
- Mark outside players when ball is on other side of field (guys making back post runs (expand))
- Communicate with teammates
- Help in attack without getting too far out of position (usually in helping initiate the attack)
Main Responsibilities of Wing Back
- Same as above with a few added attacking responsibilities
- Provide width to the attack
- Provide service into box
- Look for Overlapping runs
- Be able to recover into defensive position quickly (needs to be able to know when it appropriate to be deep into opponents third vs when to be
conservative and prioritize their defensive responsibilities (expand))
- Balancing when it is appropriate to attack or play defense changes during game (talk about fatigue of opponent)
Qualities of good Outside Defender/Wing Backs
- Communicate effectively
- Good technical skills
- Speed
- Strength
- Agile
- Brave
- Ability to Stay Focused
- Patience
- Sound Decision Making Ability
- Jumping
- Timing Tackles
- Anticipation (read the game)
- Reaction time (react to what you see)
- Discipline
- Technical Ability
- Wing Backs need more endurance generally
- Ability to judge proper distance from center backs
Famous Outside Defenders
- Jordi Alba (Wingback)
- Ashley Cole
- Marcelo
- Roberto Carlos
- Giacinto Facchetti
- Philip Lahm
- Dani Alves (Wingback)
- Cafu
- Javier Zanetti
- Carlos Alberto
- Gary Neville
- Lilian Thuram
- Djalma Santos
- Giuseppe Bergomi
Best US Outside Backs
- Eddie Pope
- Steve Cherundolo (probably most accomplished/decorated)
- Brek Shea (Wingback)
- Kelley O'Hara (Wingback)
- Ali Frieger
- Deandre Yedlin (Wingback/Tough/Physical)
Things of note
- Two articles in online sources at the end in notes on webpage that talk about why defenders are most underappreciated players on field
Online Sources
- https://www.goal.com/en/news/what-is-the-difference-full-back-wing-back-football/1jielh8pgzqia1a6lv0ziv23ek
- https://www.sportslingo.com/sports-glossary/w/wing/
- https://soccertraininglab.com/soccer-wingback/
- https://authoritysoccer.com/what-is-a-wingback-in-soccer/
- https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/exercises-better-left-back-soccer-9721.html
- https://futebolfinance.com/what-is-a-fullback-in-soccer/
- https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/fullback-soccer/
- https://soccercoachtheory.com/fullback-in-soccer-ultimate-guide/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defender_(association_football)
- http://outsideoftheboot.com/2016/09/07/inverted-full-backs-and-their-benefits-a-look-at-what-we-might-see-at-guardiolas-manchester-city/
- https://www.soccer-training-methods.com/outside-fullback.html
- https://www.theodysseyonline.com/3-reasons-why-outside-back-is-the-most-underrated-position-in-soccer
- https://www.gftskills.com/the-most-under-appreciated-soccer-position-defenders/