Soccer Drills For Shielding The Ball - Hold off the defender

Purpose of the drill: The purpose of this soccer drill is to replicate a scenario where a player is in a corner or has limited options to play the ball so they are trying to bide some time and wait for support. This also encourages players to be competitive to try and win the ball back. Set up: • 5 x 5 yard area per pair • 1 soccer ball pair Instructions: Each pair will have their own area and their own soccer ball. One player in the pair will have the soccer ball and the other player will be trying to win the soccer ball back. If the player with the ball is able to successfully shield the soccer ball for 30 seconds they will get 3 points, however, if the player without the ball is able to get control of the ball or force the player outside of the area then they will 1 point. Rotate around the player starting with the ball so both players get equal opportunity to shield the ball. If you have more than one square you can introduce a ladder format where if players win they will move up a square and if they lose they will move down a square.