Position · Defence · CB
What does a centre-back do?
Protects the central channel, wins aerial duels and ground challenges, and starts build-up with passing. Provides defensive balance while full-backs and midfielders push forward.
How the centre-back moves
Forms a staggered pair — one steps to press, the other covers behind. Splits wide in build-up to give the first line width.
Types of centre-back
- Ball-playing centre-back: drives forward and breaks lines with a vertical pass.
- Stopper: physically dominant, anticipates, steps aggressively into tackles.
- Cover CB: drops deepest, reads play, covers the partner who steps up.
Why the centre-back plays there
Both centre-backs rarely step up together — if they do, the space in behind is open for a lofted ball. That is why one always covers the other: the principle of defensive balance.
In Gaffer FC you click the centre-back on an interactive pitch and switch formations to see how the role shifts. See inside the app.