Complete Guide to Playing Right Back in Soccer

Playing the right back in soccer comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are many different techniques that make you a good right back, i.e. methods that make you a strong asset in the back. So, how to play right back in soccer, and what can you do to improve your game? 

To play right back, soccer players must perfect techniques such as dribbling, one-on-one defending, swinging crosses, and passing the ball with both feet. Moreover, they need to improve their physical condition through cardio and bodyweight training. Also, they need to communicate with their winger as well as the center-backs. 

If you want to learn what being the right back in soccer means, you have come to the right place. This article will explain thoroughly what it takes to play right back in soccer, along with techniques and methods that will improve your ability to play right back effectively.

What Does It Take To Play Right Back In Soccer? 

The right-back in soccer lines up on the right side of the defensive penalty box as shown in the image above.

In order to learn how to play right back in soccer, there are three main notions that need to be considered:

1. Improving soccer techniques that reinforce the position of the right-back. 
2. Improving physical condition through regular workouts. 
3. Planning a well-developed game plan for how to defend as a right-back in the formation you are playing in.

Successful and powerful results should be expected when these three elements are incorporated into playing the right-back position in soccer.

Improving Soccer Techniques for Right-Backs

The techniques that are used for the position of a right-back in soccer play a crucial role. Namely, if you intend to play as a right-back, you need to be highly skilled in several key areas such as:

• Dribbling
• Crossing the ball
• One-on-one defending

Work On Dribbling Drills

The most useful tools for this purpose are cones. You should set up cones and practice dribbling drills as much as you can. It is recommended to use both inside and outside of the foot, so there would be progress even for the weak foot. 

Practicing speed dribbling is especially important as this is a skill you must have as a right back.

Another way to practice dribbling is with one more player. Soccer players usually train to dribble in pairs since this builds up confidence in this kind of technique. So, it would be nice if you have a friend who will practice with you on a daily basis if you intend to improve your skills. 

Work On Swinging Crosses

Mastering crosses is of essential importance for a right back. If you develop a good technique in crossing the ball into the box, you will generate high-quality scoring opportunities for your team.

However, you should pay special attention to the swinging crosses in your game. These provide versatility for the game while making it difficult for the goalkeeper to keep up. In order to achieve swinging crosses, the ball needs to be curved during the crossing action. 

One-on-One Defending

The primary role of a right-back is to defend. In the vast majority of instances, the right-back will find themselves defending one-on-one with attacking wingers on the ball. The ability to defend one-on-one and slow the attack, gain possession of the ball, or simply even block a cross attempt separates the good right-backs from the average ones.

Reinforce Passing The Ball With Both Feet 

The right-back can be the instigator of the offense once they win the ball from the attacking player. Right-backs need to be able to deliver crisp passes consistently and accurately with either foot. Right-backs should practice passing outlet drills regularly to improve the pace, accuracy, and consistency of their passes.

It is normal for a player to pass better with one foot, but the right-back needs to master this technique with both of them. Therefore, make sure that you practice short and long passes, as well as passing the ball while under pressure.

Improving Physical Condition

As mentioned before, the right-back player needs to be significantly prepared to provide a solid defense for the game. For that purpose, the player needs to be in good physical condition. This means that if you intend to play the right back, you need to do more than just train the basic techniques. 

Consider Running For Improving Stamina 

Since the right-back player needs to be fast and quick, they need to have the ability to endure a lot while on the pitch. Regular running or jogging will make sure that the right-back will be able to run on the pitch for a long time. Running is exceptionally beneficial for improving your physical condition and making you able to participate actively during the whole game. 

Don’t Forget About The Benefits Of The Gym

Soccer players may spend a lot of their time on the soccer pitch, but they also dedicate some of their time to the gym. Working out at the gym makes you strong and physically fit, which contributes to the prevention of injuries. If you are determined to become a good football player, it is necessary to include some gym time in your daily routine. 

Planning A Well-Developed Game Strategy 

Every right-back player needs to be conscious of the game plan that is intended to be applied on the field. This means that planning beforehand will come in handy. In order to plan appropriately, consider the following notions:

Studying The Strong And The Weak Points Of The Opposition

Make sure to find out what is the weak foot of your opponent, as well as the side to which they most commonly run. In addition, you will have to discover whether they make long or short passes and whether they often make passes. 

Communicating With Your Winger 

It is necessary to point out that the key to a good game is effective communication between the right-back and the winger. They need to establish what they both need to make progress in the game, such as who needs to be guarded, do they need help on a particular side, and so on. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between A Right Back And A Right Wing-Back?

The right-back player is primarily focused on the defense, while the right-wingback player has essentially the dual role of right-back and winger.

Is Slide Tackling a Skill Right-Backs Need to Have

Yes. The right-back needs to make a good estimation for a tackle and be careful not to be too aggressive and foul as this can lead to a direct kick or a penalty shot if the foul occurs in the box.

What Number is Right Back in Soccer?

2. The number 2 refers to the right back in traditional soccer formations.

Who is the Best Right Back in Soccer?

While things can change quickly, the consensus pick for best right-back in the world is Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool. That said, enclosed below is a list of the 25 best right-backs in the world:

What Is A Right Forward In Soccer? 

A right forward position is the position of a player who is intended to make the attack and shoot towards the goal. This is the most difficult position in soccer considering that this is a player put under a lot of pressure. 

Soccer Position Guides

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, playing the right-back position in soccer comes with a lot of responsibilities, meaning it requires a lot of practice and determination. Hopefully, this article will help you become a better right back in soccer, and inspire you to do more for your soccer skills.