Shield the ball (1v1 shielding)
One player keeps the ball in a small box while a partner tries to win it. Teaches using the body, arms and turns to protect the ball, the skill smaller players need most.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Small boxes, one pair per box, one ball each pair.
- Play in 30-second rounds.
Equipment: Cones, 1 ball per pair
How it works
- Attacker keeps the ball inside the box for 30 seconds.
- Defender tries to win it or knock it out.
- Swap roles each round; count successful shields.
Coaching points
- Side-on, knees bent, ball on your far foot.
- Arm out for balance and to feel where they are (no pushing).
- Use the sole to roll it away from pressure.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Defender at half pace
- Bigger box
Make it harder
- Shield, then turn and dribble out of a gate
- Two defenders v one shielder
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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See the drill โ