(Based on the USSF Coaching Schools)

Good defending begins with an understanding of how the principles of defense are applied by both the individual player as well as collectively within the team. The moment a team loses possession immediate defensive organization begins.

A. Immediate chase/pressure – The moment possession is lost the nearest player(s) try to regain possession or apply pressure on the ball. Players giving immediate chase can also help to delay the attack by making recovery runs that deny the opponent the opportunity to play the ball forward quickly.

B. Delay – The pressuring defender(s) force(s) the attacking team to take time organizing its attack so defenders have time to form a collective defending action behind the ball. While applying pressure, the defender must be careful to not over-commit. If they are beaten easily, the time for the team to organize is shortened.

C. Cover – While the ball is being pressured all other players should be recovering into defensive positions. The positions taken should support the pressuring defender in the event they are beaten. This is called providing defensive cover, especially from the 2^{nd defender.}

D. Balance – As the team concentrates their defense in the area of the ball, defenders away from the ball (opposite side of field) must position themselves to cover vital spaces (central areas) in order to prevent attackers from making penetrating runs into these spaces in which to receive the ball for an attempt on goal. All players who are on the opposite side must seek positions in which to provide balance to the defense.

E. Compactness – As players recover towards their own goal and organize their defense, the objective is to limit the time and space for the opponent by concentrating their defense in the area of the ball. Defenders also recover centrally towards their goal in order to limit the opponent’s ability to directly attack the goal.

F. Control and Restraint – Players must be disciplined and play "under control" when challenging for the ball. Too often players make poorly timed or off-balanced attempts to win the ball. Players should refrain from tackling until they are confident they will win the ball.

G. Communication – Visual and verbal. Players must communicate their intentions and responsibilities clearly and precisely through verbal and visual cues.

H. Defending relative to the match situation – Time, score, etc. How much time is left in the game and what is the score? What are the stakes? Do we defend more cautiously to preserve the win or just keep playing the same way?