Stand up. Keep close. Do Not dive in.

My Dad played centre half in the 60s and a technique I have seen him use in his latter years was the ‘arm off’ or more commonly known in 1969, as a forearm smash.

Back then defending was considerably more physical, ABH type tackling techniques but aggression with direction. No one got passed you, no one would get a shot off and if any of the above did happen, it only happened once, as you would be kicked into the stands.

Fast forward 50 years and the laws of the game, techniques and the style of football has changed so much, but the aim of the game is the same. Results focused. We will score more goals than the opposition.

Just watching modern day defending, it’s astonishing to see how many defenders go to ground, turn their backs, commit themselves, dive in, are out of position, do not close players down and allow the attaching player so much time and space, each touch they have creates more opportunity for the attacking team.

The thing is, it’s happening at all levels, The Premier League, certainly in Europe and unfortunately that infiltrates the lower leagues, the amateur game and youth teams. Pro players are role models and kids and individuals of all ages will be influenced by what pros and specifically their favourite players, or players in their position do.

YouTube Bobby, watch Virgil, observe the basics. Terry, Vidic, even Colin Hendrey to name but a few. It’s an art and takes time, patience and practice, but the basics are fundamental for every player in every position.

The idea is not to commit, but be confident, know your opposition, be strong and have self-belief in your ability to slow the opposition down and render their attacking principles obsolete.

Are you in the right position to get close, make the attaching player aware of your existence? The defending players positioning is vital. Speed of thought, awareness and intelligence to make the opposing player work harder and not give them any time to think. Do this and you will be surprised by not even making a single tackle, you can force the opposing team into mistakes.

Football for me is about control. What can you control and focus on these areas? Be confident in your decision making and make the opposition work. If you have the desire and humility with a passion to win and are mentally strong, success will prevail.

1969-2021. Stand up. Don’t dive in.

Andrew is the Founder and CEO of AEG Sports, an Elite Mindset Football Consultancy. He advises players, athletes, clubs, creators, businesses and agencies. For enquiries you can contact him on Twitter at @aegsports_ on Instagram at @aeg_sports and email him at [email protected].