So, this is a threat about positional awareness on central defenders, mostly because of a tweet that @ScoutRipley made last night. #NWSLChallengeCup

I'm gonna focus on a couple of CB's. The first one is Julie Ertz and this very good awareness both of the cross and the possible aim of said cross.

This is very similar situation, but there's a slight difference: she gets closer to her teammate, in case she's dribbled. Once the rival stops running and doesn't attemp to overtake, Ertz chooses to come back to her position and cover spaces.

Katie Naughton has a difficult task. Houston plays a high pressing football, but there's always the risk to leave some spaces behind. Here she waits, up until the last moment to engage. And instead of being draw out of position, she comes back.

Another good move from Naughton. Like in the 2nd from Ertz, she follows the play, this time the Sky Blue player does dribble, and she's quick enough to bring support.

Alana Cook against A-Rod: Like before, the runs towards the goal when you defend are never ment to give the attacker more space, but rather to help you when you make a choice. In this case Alana see A-Rod looking for the pass and she puts herself in the way

THIS is the golden frame. Her body and run are in a position to: A) cut out the pass, she stays in what could be the perfect line for the assist. B) if Rodriguez gets the ball she can make the tackle with her stronger foot #NWSLChallengeCup

Alana Cook again. This is a difficult choice as a CB, because Onumanu find herself with time and space, and Cook needed to make the diagonal run to avoid the shot.

@Paigenielsen, one of my favs on this #NWSLChallengeCup. Similar to the Alana Cook movement. She sees the run by the opponent, but first, is the positioning and trying to cut the pass out.

But it's not always about making the tackle or interception yourself. Reading the play is vital. Here she realize that it's her partner that will engage, and she goes to cover #NWSLChallengeCup

Same here, you don't go backwards all the time, because otherwise you'll give all the time and space to the rival. Reading the play is so difficult, it's an art. And knowing how to run (diagonal or straight), when and how to engage and put your body is so important

These are some examples about defensive positioning in center backs. We can explore other positions soon, but I hope it helps to understand a bit better what happens when and how to defend. If you have a question or a note, please, feel free :)