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The sweeper is the last defensive player before the goal besides the goalkeeper. Generally, the sweeper is positioned behind the other defenders on the field, making the four defenders become a “diamond” shape. The sweeper does not typically mark an opponent, but rather will “sweep” back and forth in front of the goal to get rid of any shots or passes in front of the net.
The sweeper position can be related to a free safety in football, i.e., a defender who steps up to mark free players or balls during an opponent’s attack.
A major responsibility of the sweeper is to halt any breakaways by the opponent, including any long passes towards the goal. The sweeper may react by kicking breakaway balls or passes out-of-bounds in order to allow time for the defense to drop back and recover after a breakaway.
Using a sweeper in your defense increases your defensive depth on the field and also puts another “coach” on the field. Unlike the goalkeeper, who must stay in certain proximity to the goal, on the attack a sweeper can “direct” your offense from behind in his/her position as the deepest field player.
As a coach, you should select a player for the sweeper position based mainly on confidence and quickness. You will want a player who is not afraid to make contact with the ball or rise to stop breakaways. Height can help to stop air balls headed towards the goal.
You will want a player who is a leader on the team and not afraid to direct the other players, especially the other defenders.
Having a good sweeper allows you to push your other defenders up on the attack. Even if your other defenders are slower, the depth provided by the sweeper allows them some extra room to move forward.
