Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): JD - Technical Skills - Protecting & shielding the ball

Protecting & shielding the ball (15 mins)

Activity: One player starts with ball with other player behind them. The player tries to keep ball away from other player by shielding it with their body. Player tries to keep ball for 20 seconds, and then players switch.

Coaching Points:

-Players with the ball should look to keep their body between the ball and their opponent.

-The player with the ball should try to position themself 'side on' to the defender

-The player with the ball, should keep their arm out to 'feel' for the player, in order to give additional distance from the ball to the defender.

-The player with the ball should try to use the outside of their foot to keep the ball under close control, in order to move the ball fast if needed be.

- Move the ball away from the defender if they come around the side of you

- Dont turn into the defender, as this allows the defender an easy chance to take the ball away from the player in possession.

Progressions / challenges:

- Use the 'roll over' skill to move the ball away from the defender

- Use both feet to keep the ball away from the defender, not just the strongest foot