Soccer Coaching - Shielding

When coaching soccer, shielding is a very simple, yet important dribbling skill set that soccer players should learn. Shielding is simply using your body as a barrier between the ball and the defender in order to protect the ball. Typically the soccer player holding the ball will turn their body sideways in order to hold the ball as far from the defender as possible. When teaching shielding, make sure the attacker does not stand with their back to the defender as this is easy for the defender to poke the ball away.

The soccer coach should instruct players to move the ball when shielding in order to evade the defender. As the attacker is turned sideways to the defender, if the defender decides to step in on the attackers front side, the ball should be pulled backwards away from the defender (trying to maintain a side-on stance). If the defender decides to step in on the attackers back side, the ball should be pushed forwards away from the defender (again attempting to maintain a side-on stance).

A easy way to teach shielding is 1-on-1. Simply pair the team into groups of 2. Have one player punt the ball into the air and he and his opponent battle to win the ball and hold possession for the count of 5 elephants. If possession is lost, the other player attempts to hold possession for the same count. As a soccer coach, make sure you inform the players what you are looking for and explain to them to stay in and shield the ball rather than dribbling on the run.