Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shielding / Protecting the ball

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Derek Evans

Profile Summary

Name:	Derek Evans
City:	Cardiff
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

A session based upon protecting the ball from opponents.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Technical Shielding

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Technical Shielding (15 mins)

Organisation: Depending on the age of the players, the grid should be approximately 5 x 5 yards. Players pair up with one ball between them.

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

Coaching points:

- What areas of the pitch is this likely to happen?

- Who are the best players / teams that can do this effectively?

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Shielding then passing

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Shielding then passing (15 mins)

Organisation:

The area should be split into 10 x 10m square areas (dependant upon age). Players get into groups of 3 with one ball between them.

Activity:

This drill focuses on players being comfortable in receiving the ball under pressure, and being able to protect the ball before retaining possession by passing it back to a team mate.

Player 1 passes the ball into player 2. Player 2 has to try and use their body to protect the ball and retain possession until player 1 moves into a position by one of the cones. Player 3 tries to win the ball immediately from player 2 as soon as they receive it.

Rule:

No first time return passes - player 2 has to receive and protect the ball until player 1 is in position to receive the ball.

Players rotate after each turn.

Progressions / challenges:

- Players receiving the ball have to pass the ball to their team-mate using their weaker foot

- Can the receiving player 'lose' their marker and create space for themselves and receive the ball then protect it before making their pass

- Can the ball be controlled with the outside part of their foot to create extra distance from the defender