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A sweeper in soccer definition is basically a player who is positioned in the defensive backline and is responsible for countering any opposing attackers who may get past the other defenders. The term 'sweeper' is more of a colloquial definition that was coined in the late 1800’s to refer to the job of ‘Sweeping up’ any attackers that break away from the other defenders.
What does a sweeper do in soccer?
A sweeper’s role in soccer is similar to that of a free safety in American Football and is positioned slightly behind the behind the fullbacks. However, the sweeper position is not static, so, if you are appointed this defensive role you are free to roam within range whenever necessary.
Sweeper Tshirts
When playing the sweeper position in soccer you should be capable of anticipating moves by attackers and making contact to steal away the ball from them. You will also be expected to increase depth and field coverage in order to push up the ball and support attacks. Another vital role of this position is to be like an on-field coach and direct players since the sweeper position is deep and you have a good view of the entire field of play.
How to play sweeper position in soccer
The role of the sweeper in modern football has been debated for a long time with some coaches considering it a must-have while others perceiving it to be obsolete.
In recent time times the three classic 3-defender formation seems to be making a comeback after a decade long hiatus. The most notable advocates of this formation are Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Defenders are an important factor in any team formation and the game has evolved such that the backline is the fulcrum of any potential attacking set pieces. This is why the back-three style of play is making a comeback as it gives a numerical advantage to deep-lying center back playmakers. This is the essence of the modern day sweeper.
Sweeper formations
5-3-2 Sweeper Formation
Typically a 5-3-2 formation, suits a more defensive team shape, with the sweeper sitting neatly behind the two Centre Backs and wing backs.
4-4-2 Sweeper Formation
A sweeper can be used with many different formations, but the next popular is the 4-4-2 with the sweeper behind a defensive line of 3 players.
History of the soccer sweeper position
The back-three sweeper system was also used a lot in the 70’s and 80’s (usually 3-5-2) for basically the same reasons. The three-man backline allowed for a ‘spare player’. The sweeper would often be free to get the ball in deep positions then make forward runs that instigate formidable attacks.
One of the most notable players in history to be positioned as a skipper was German legend Franz Beckenbauer. He mastered this position very well and helped his country win the World Cup in 1974. He fitted the role of sweeper well due to his focus, dominance and leadership skills. He is widely acknowledged as one of the players who revolutionized the role of the modern day sweeper or libero (a player who does not have to mark a particular opponent).
Later, other notable players such as Gaetano Scirea, Mathias Sammer and Franco Baresi would also popularize the position of sweeper in the 80’s and 90’s.
Sweeper in Action
Watch this clip to see an ideal demonstration of the sweeper role by Xavi Alonso... notice how he is always available for the ball and is the first to pounce on any scraps!
Is the sweeper still relevant in modern day soccer?
During the turn of the millennium, the back-three system had largely been replaced with systems such as 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. This meant that more focus was put on the flanks and midfield thus minimizing the need for a traditional sweeper. This was the case for most of the 2000’s, however, Antonio Conte (who was the Juventus coach at the time) started to popularize it again during the 2011-2012 season by adopting the 3-5-2 formation.
This helped the club to win the Serie A title and finish with the best defensive record in the league. Conte has also used the sweeper formation on certain occasions at Chelsea FC. The wingbacks Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses provide width while the likes of Eden Hazard or Pedro usually take up the sweeper role which benefits the strikers greatly by pressing the ball during attacks.
Sweeper Keepers
The main threat to the traditional role of sweeper is now the fashionable role of 'Sweeper Keeper' where the Goalkeeper is effectively adding an extra player to your team and playing this role
How to master the sweeper position
If you want to follow in the footsteps of the great sweepers around the world, past and present then follow these 6 pro tips to short cut your success:
- When playing in this position you need to be the last man in defense and try as much as possible to move laterally behind the rest of the defenders. You should also make sure that you do not stay too close to the sidelines.
- Always close down any gaps that are left by the other defenders and anticipate any other slip ups that may occur along the backline.
- As a sweeper you are not assigned specific players to mark, so you can periodically move forward especially during set pieces or for corner kicks on the opposing side.
- Always remain perceptive on the field and be confident when handling the ball.
- Always remain focused because you will be required to make split-second decisions for both defensive and offensive actions.
- Always communicate with your teammates. Since you have a good view of the field, you have the task of informing the teammates when players are open and letting them know where help is needed. Always have the attention of your teammates.
Have your say
Are you a sweeper or would like to play in this position? If so, I hope this article has shed some light on the roles and history of the sweeper position in soccer.
If you think that the content can be helpful to someone else please feel free to share it widely and let us know what you think in the comments below:
- Is the role of sweeper still alive in modern day soccer?
- What skills do you need to become a great soccer sweeper?
- Who's the best sweeper past and present?
Hero Photo by Roger W / CC BY-SA 2.0
Thanks for the post Soccer Coach. That has taught me a lot as I often play as a sweeper when I play for my Soccer Team. I would widely recommend this drill to everybody. Thanks!!!
Good to hear it! Hope there’s somethings from the article that you can take into your game and make you the next Beckenbauer!!!