Perfect the Art of Shielding

Shielding is a crucial skill for maintaining possession under pressure and creating opportunities for your team. Here's how to master it:

1. Use Your Body Effectively

• Technique: Position your body between the defender and the ball. Keep a low center of gravity by slightly bending your knees and leaning forward.
• Focus Area: Use your hips, shoulders, and arms (without pushing) to hold off the defender.

2. Maintain Ball Control

• Technique: Keep the ball close to your feet, using your instep or sole to adjust its position as you move.
• Drill: Practice moving in tight circles while shielding to improve close control.

3. Keep Your Head Up

• Why: Awareness is key. Look for teammates, space, or options while shielding to avoid being boxed in.
• How: Develop this habit during drills by lifting your head regularly to scan the field.

4. Use Angles and Space

• Technique: Position yourself so the ball is near the boundary line, a teammate, or your team's goal to reduce the defender's options.
• Tip: Use small steps to pivot and turn away from the pressure if necessary.

5. Develop Core Strength

• Why: A strong core helps you hold your ground and stay balanced when pressured.
• Exercises: Focus on planks, Russian twists, and weighted squats to build strength and stability.

6. Read the Defender's Movements

• How: Feel the defender's position with your back or side and anticipate their actions. Adjust your stance to counter their attempts to tackle.

7. Practice Turning Under Pressure

• Drill: Set up a 1v1 shielding scenario with a defender applying light pressure. Practice pivoting and turning away while maintaining control.
• Goal: Quickly transition from shielding to passing, dribbling, or shooting.

8. Master the Escape Move

• Move: Use the drag-back turn or a quick lateral touch to create space and evade the defender when they overcommit.
• Tip: Pair this with a burst of speed to gain separation.

9. Control Your Breathing

• Why: Staying calm and composed under pressure helps you make better decisions.
• How: Practice deep, steady breaths during shielding drills to maintain focus.

10. Simulate Real-Game Scenarios

• Drill: Practice shielding during small-sided games or with multiple defenders to replicate match intensity.
• Objective: Build confidence in high-pressure situations.

Stay confident and patient. Shielding is as much about composure and reading the game as it is about physical skill.