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

Shielding + Turning

ORGANIZATION:

12 players - groups of 3

15x15 yard area

2 fields - 2 groups on each field

INSTRUCTIONS:

Player Gray will pass the ball into second Gray player who will receive the pass, shield off player Defend for 5 seconds, then will look to score by dribbling through either gate on the end line. Activity is repeated. Each player will work for  90 seconds then rotate positions.

Defender will increase pressure each time, but DO NOT steal ball from attacker who is shielding; may intercept pass. 

Progression: make into competiton- 1 pt for every goal scored by attackers, 1 pt if defender steals ball; most points at end is winner.

COACHING POINTS:

1. Proper shielding technique

- Place body between the defender and ball

- Body at right angle to the defender; shoulder/arm in defender's chest

- Keep ball on furthest foot (sole/inside/outside)

- Use arms to create space

- Move laterally/away from defender

** If defender overcommits, spin away in opposite direction using sole foot and beat into space behind

2. Tactical awareness of when to move into open space/pass v. when to shield ball & protect