spikeee's tips for defending is spot on. Also remember not to open your legs to wide as smart opposing strikers will notice u looking at the ball and cheekily try to slot it between your legs if they can't out turn you as you're covering their angles, close enough to block their movement towards goal but not overly committed to give them space .

I'm not skillful enough and do not have enough goal scoring instinct to play anywhere else but in defense - right or left back. The only thing i have is to be at the right place at the right time to breakup an attack.

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Added on November 21, 2007, 3:53 pmThat's how i managed to learn... after i also got ole'd a lot especially in futsal matches!!!

This post has been edited by JonC: Nov 21 2007, 03:53 PM

To follow-up on spikee's tips on kicking / striking the ball:

Make sure your standing leg - ie your left leg if you're a right footer, is parallel to the ball so your kicking leg and foot position will give you more balance, accuracy and power. Lean your body forward to keep your shots lower and hard. If you open up your body or lean back slightly, your foot and body position will make you curl the ball and lift the ball high.

Hope this helps!