Staying on your feet and delaying an attacker rather than diving in. You shuffle sideways, stay balanced, and show them where you want them to go (usually toward the sideline or a supporting defender). The goal is to slow them down and wait for help or for them to make a mistake. Diving in risks getting beaten and leaving space behind you.
Good one-on-one defending is about jockeying, not tackling. You force the attacker wide, stay on your feet, and wait for the right moment. Dive in early and they'll go right past you.
Robbie
Jan 21, 2026