• In the 13 – 18 age groups, our MPS defenders need to be technically sound and comfortable on the ball.
• They should be able to deliver accurate short passes and play a range of accurate long passes also.
• All Premier level defenders should have a sound understanding of the principles as well as a proper temperment and mentality.
  
• Our defenders must recognise when to mark the opposition in a zone system and a man to man defence.
  
• They should also understand how to maintain their defensive organisation while their team has possession or is on the attack:
• Space and balance.
  
• Starting positions in relation to opponent’s forward players.
  

All MPS Premier Players should have a sound understanding of the principles of individual defending:

• Tackling, etc
  
• Channelling
  
• Denying the turn
  

MPS Premier Players should be familiar with proper defensive starting positions relative to area on the field, positions of their opponents and the ball and the amount of pressure that is on the opposing player with the ball.

•  Basic pressure
• Covering concepts

All MPS Premier players should know how and when to tackle effectively – Timing

• MPS Premier Defenders should be able to receive the ball facing the game, both on the ground and out of the air.
• MPS Premier Defenders should have the ability to head the ball – for both distance and accuracy.
•  Premier level wide defenders should be competent in 1v1 attacking situations and be able to deliver accurate, effective balls into the box/’danger area’.
  
• They should also know their role in helping to advance the ball through the different thirds of the field.