This paper proposes an optimal COA(Center Of Area) defuzzification method that improves the contr~lp erformance of a fuzzy logic controller. The defuzzification method incorporates both the membership values and the effective span of membership function6 in calculating a crisp value. An optimal effective span is determined automatically by the genetic algorithm thrqugh the training of some typical examples. Simulation of the proposed COA defuzzifier to the truck backer-upper control problem is presented and the control performance of the praposed COA defuzzifier outperforms that of the conventional COA defuzzifier by more than 20% in terms of ayerage tracing distance.