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Football: Ball Shield - whole body

Very good interactive coaching drills.

Matt

DESCRIPTION

Set up as shown with 2 players and 1 ball between the two.

The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of ball shielding you want to achieve.

Play begins with the external player making a firm pass into the middle player. The external player closes down his pass and aims to win the ball back.

The player in the middle aims to keep the ball, shielding it away from the defender for 10 seconds and then acclerates out of the diamond.

COACHING POINTS

Work on good firm passes that will allow the first touch of the players to be tested and improved.

Player in the middle should be ready and 'on their toes'.

Get the ball shielder to keep their body between the ball and the defender.

Can they use both feet and turn according to where the defender is?

Can they remain with a low stature and use their shoulder to hord off the defender?

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The coach calls out a number from 1 to 6. The respective players from each team run with the ball following the directional arrow as shown in the diagram, to the gate at the end of the grid.

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Divide the group into teams of 4. One player in goal, two defenders and one attacker. The defenders (Alligators) adopt a crab position (belly up, hands and feet on the floor) and start in the middle of the grid.

The attackers must try to dribble around the alligators and score a goal.

Defending

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