Doing some cleaning and organizing this morning I came across a document from my youth basketball days written by Coach Matthews (?) circa 1970. I've always remembered this when playing and coaching basketball. It is pure. It is simple. It is the truth.
Defending in Basketball
Take away the paint.
Take away the opponents strength.
Get a hand on the ball.
Talk.
Don't foul.
Box out and board.
It applies in soccer as well. And I have always maintained that soccer is basketball on grass. So much of what I learned as a basketball player and coach applies directly to soccer. Yeah, there are differences - soccer players play predominately with their feet while basketball is played with the hands is the most obvious - but the games are strikingly similar in many ways.
So, lets take a look at this from a soccer perspective. I'm going to take some liberty and rearrange the order a bit more to my current liking.
Defending in Soccer
Effectively communicate with teammates
Take away the face of the goal
Take away the opponents strength
Get a foot to the ball
Do not foul in your defending third
Finish with regained possession