Developing the skill of ball ⚽possession will help you grow into a stronger soccer player. The more you control the ball and its movements, the harder you will be to defend against.
Shielding the ball from defenders is an essential skill for maintaining possession. Shielding is when you use your body to stop 🤚a defender from taking the ball from you.
This week, Blayze coach Sarah Woldmoe will give you insights into using your body to help shield the ball from defenders.
Shielding takes practice, so do not get discouraged. With focus🧠 and effort, you will become a master at the skill.
Four Parts to Shielding
Wide Stance: First, you need to get your body shape right to shield the ball well. Try and get low and stay in a wide stance.
Arms Out: You do not want to extend your arm to push the defender. But you can hold your arms out to block the defender.💪
Body to Body: Do not let your opponent push into you and make you lose your balance. Stand firm and push against them aggressively. Having a strong upper body helps. 🧑🏾🤝🧑You can achieve a stronger upper body through strength and conditioning. If you start to lose your balance or feel like you are being overpowered, pass into open space or dribble away from the defender.
Keep the Ball on Your Foot: Use your dominant foot, 🦶if possible, to move the ball. The other side of your body and the other leg should be closest to the player you are trying to shield away from the ball.
Use the foot that is on the ball ⚽to move the ball back and forth, depending on which side the opposing player tries to run around. If the player tries to run behind your back, roll the ball in front of your body and pivot your body to keep the ball as far away from the player as possible.
It is all about body shape!
With practice, shielding will become second nature. You can quickly implement these four keys to shielding immediately in your team training.🥅
Get out there and start practicing!
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Article of the week: How to Maintain Possession and Out Play Your Opponent
Switching, or changing, the point of attack can help your team maintain possession, gain control of the game, and move into a goal-scoring opportunity. Today, Blayze professional soccer coach Mike Semenza, is going to discuss switching the point of attack and how to perform this skill.
