Defensive midfielder
A defensive midfielder sits in front of the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the back line.
Overview
The defensive midfielder patrols the space between defence and midfield, intercepting passes, tackling, and screening the centre-backs. The role is sometimes described as the "holding" midfielder or anchor.
As well as protecting the defence, they often recycle possession with simple, safe passes and act as the pivot the team builds attacks around.
Responsibilities
- Shields the back line and covers gaps in front of the defence.
- Intercepts passes and makes tackles to break up attacks.
- Recycles possession with short, secure passing.
- Tracks opposition midfield runners into dangerous areas.
- Provides a passing outlet to switch defence into attack.
Where it’s used
Sports that use defensive midfielder:
Related positions
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
Centre-back
A centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
Full-back
A full-back is a defender who plays on the left or right side of the defence, defending the flank while also supporting attacks down the wing.
Explore across the knowledge base
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Player roles
- AnchorThe anchor is a cross-sport holding role: a steadying, defensive-minded player who shields the back line, screens danger and gives teammates a reliable base.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Last line of defenceThe final barrier between an attack and a score — the goalkeeper, sweeper or last-ditch defender whose job is to stop what the rest of the team has let through.
- SweeperA covering defender who plays behind the main defensive line, free of a fixed marking job, to read danger and clean up attacks that slip past teammates.
Tactics
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Man-to-man markingA defensive tactic where each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and contain.
- Baseline playA patient tennis style built around rallying from the back of the court and constructing points with groundstrokes.
Skills
Muscle groups
- AbdominalsThe muscles along the front of the trunk that flex and brace the torso, forming the front of the body’s core.
- BicepsThe muscles on the front of the upper arm that bend the elbow and turn the forearm.
- ChestThe broad muscles across the front of the ribcage that push the arms forward and across the body.
- TricepsThe muscles on the back of the upper arm that straighten the elbow in every pushing movement.
- QuadricepsThe large group of four muscles on the front of the thigh that straighten the knee and power running, jumping and squatting.