Have you ever heard the phrase “concede a goal” in soccer?
If you’re not familiar with the term, it basically means to allow the opposing team to score a goal. And while it’s not the most fun thing to do, it’s an important part of the game.
So, what does it mean to concede a goal in soccer? And why is it important to understand this concept?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what conceding means in soccer, and why it’s important to prevent it from happening. We’ll also discuss some tips for preventing conceding goals, so you can help your team keep the ball out of the net.
Let’s kick off!
Table of Contents
What Does Concede Mean in Soccer?
‘To concede’, just like ‘clean sheets‘, is an expression in soccer that means to allow the opposing team to score.
Conceding goals is an unfortunate part of a soccer match, but it’s something that all teams have to deal with!
What Are the Different Ways a Team Can Concede a Goal in Soccer?
There are many different ways a team can concede a goal in soccer.
If you’re a defender, it’s good to be aware of all the ways goals can be conceded so that you can do your best to prevent them from happening.
Here are a few of the most common ways goals are conceded in a soccer match:
Mistake by the Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense, so if they make a mistake, it can lead to a goal. This could be because of a bad pass, a missed save, or even just a lapse in concentration.
Defensive Breakdown
Sometimes, the defense can just get caught out of position, which can create an opportunity for the opposing team to score.
This could happen if the players aren’t communicating well, or if they aren’t marking their opponents closely enough.
Good Individual Play by the Opposing Team
Sometimes, the opposing team will just simply create a great scoring chance and finish it well. This could be a long-range shot, a well-placed header, or a skillful dribble past the defenders.
An Own Goal
This is when a player from the defending team accidentally kicks the ball into their own net. This can happen when a player is trying to clear the ball, or when they’re trying to control it.
Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded when a player commits a foul inside the penalty area. If the penalty kick is scored, it counts as a goal.
What Are the Factors That Can Contribute to a Team Conceding a Goal?
Let’s explore a few of the factors that can lead a team to concede a goal on the pitch.
Lack of Communication
If the defenders aren’t communicating well, they can easily get caught out of position, which can create an opportunity for the opposing team to score.
Poor Marking
When the defenders aren’t marking their opponents closely enough, it gives the opposing team’s attackers more space to operate, which makes it easier for them to score.
Ineffective Pressing
If the defenders aren’t pressing the opposing team’s attackers high up the pitch, it gives the attackers more time and space to create scoring chances.
Poor Decision-Making
Whenever the defenders make poor decisions, such as giving away a bad pass or taking a bad touch, it can lead to a goal for the opposing team.
Mental Lapses
Even the best defenders make mistakes sometimes! If a defender has a mental lapse and loses concentration, it can lead to a goal for the opposing team.
How Can a Team Prevent Conceding Goals?
Look, it’s inevitable that teams will score against you, it’s all part of the beautiful game! But there are many things that a team can do to prevent conceding goals in soccer. Here are our expert tricks:
- Communicate effectively: Defenders need to be constantly talking to each other, so they know where each other is and what the other players are doing.
- Mark their opponents closely: The defense needs to be right on top of their opponents, so they can’t get the ball.
- Press the opposing team high up the pitch: This will force the opposing team’s attackers to make quick decisions, which can lead to mistakes.
- Make good decisions: The team’s defenders need to make good decisions with the ball at their feet. They should avoid giving away bad passes or taking bad touches.
- Stay focused: Defenders also need to stay focused for the entire game. They can’t afford to have any mental lapses.
If you can follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to preventing conceding goals in soccer.
And who knows, you might even be able to help your team win a championship!
The Final Score
Conceding goals is an unfortunate part of soccer, but it’s something that all teams must deal with.
By understanding the different ways that goals can be conceded, and by implementing the tips we mentioned, teams can help prevent conceding goals and improve their chances of winning.
