The Stopper

A stopper is a player who helps form the central part of his team’s defense, generally as part of a back three, back four or back five.

The stopper's main job is to repel the attacks of the opposing team, primarily by tackling and heading the ball out of the danger zone. A stopper can mark a player in a certain area (zonal marking) or pick up a designated opposition player (man marking).

Playing in the center of defense requires strength, bravery, concentration and an ability to read the game. While their teammates' passing may be expansive, stoppers generally keep things simple, distributing short passes.

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It is also imperative that together with the fullbacks, they implement an effective offside trap.

Some teams may use two stoppers in conjunction. This is the most defensively-oriented position in soccer. Stoppers have to remain in the backline at almost all times. Playing in the middle of the defense often means having the ball served in your area from various directions and at variable heights. Therefore, the stopper position requires aggressiveness, strength, good heading ability and courageousness in 50/50 challenges.