Force them back

 Good defending is not always winning the ball and blocking shots and making tackles or dispossessing the opponent. "As Maldini had quoted, If I have to make a tackle I have already made a mistake".  

I think a lot of people think they have to disposes the attacker every single time they have the ball and they end up overcommitting a lot and make it very easy for the attacking player.  The main goal for a defender is to keep the opponents from scoring in their net. How do you do that?. Prevent them from coming towards it in the first place. 

To do that positioning is important, you have to place yourself between the goal and the attacker and not let them get between you and the goal. When the opponent has their back facing their own goal, get up close and don't let him turn. 

Forcing the player back and not letting him advance forward is a win for you. If you are 100% sure you will get the ball, sure, go for it. If not don't lunge in blindly every single time. 

That's it