Week 9

Outcomes

• ✓Players can position their body between the ball and a defender
• ✓Players can shield the ball while moving forward
• ✓Players can shield and then turn into space
• ✓Players understand when shielding is the correct choice

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 20 cones
• 6 pinnies
• 2 small goals

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Pairs in 5×5 yd spaces; 1 ball per pair.

   How to run it: Player A dribbles in the small space while Player B tries to touch the ball with their hand (no tackling). Player A must keep their body between B and the ball at all times. Switch every 60 seconds.

   • ›Feel the defender's position without looking at them
   • ›Keep arms out wide – legally – for balance and space
   • ›Move the ball to the far foot from the defender

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: 20 yd line; pairs.

   How to run it: Partners walk side by side; inside partner has the ball and shields from the outside partner who tries to reach around. Progress: partners jog. Progress: outside partner adds light shoulder contact. Dynamic stretching finish: arm swings, hip rotations.

   • ›Wide base for balance when shielding
   • ›Bent knees make you harder to push off the ball
   • ›Legal arm contact: forearm out, not elbow

3. 3. Technical Practice – Shielding Stations

   15m

   Set up: Three stations: (1) Static shield against cone wall, (2) Walking shield with partner, (3) Shield-and-turn with cone defender.

   How to run it: Station 1: player shields ball against wall of cones, maintaining body angle 45°. Station 2: walking shield with light partner pressure. Station 3: shield for 3 seconds, then turn and accelerate 5 yds. 4-minute rotations. Ask: 'Which part of your foot is the ball on when you shield?'

   • ›Station 1: far foot sole-rolls the ball; near foot supports
   • ›Station 2: feel pressure and respond with hips
   • ›Station 3: disguise the turn direction until the last moment
   • ›All stations: low centre of gravity

4. 4. Skill Game – Shielding Sumo

   15m

   Set up: 5×5 yd box per pair; 1 ball per pair.

   How to run it: Both players compete for the same ball. Whoever has the ball must shield it inside the box for 10 consecutive seconds. If ball leaves the box or a clean tackle wins it, the other player gets a point. Three rounds; most points wins.

   • ›Move the ball around your body – don't stand still shielding
   • ›Use drag-backs inside the shield to reposition
   • ›Legal shoulder charge – body contact allowed

5. 5. Small-Sided Game – 4v4 Freeze Ball

   17m

   Set up: 28×22 yd pitch; small goals.

   How to run it: Play 4v4. When a player is closed by two defenders, they must shield for 3 seconds before playing. If they escape after shielding, team gets 1 bonus point. Normal goals count.

   • ›Recognise when you're outnumbered and shift to shield mode
   • ›Teammates: create passing angles so the shielder has an out
   • ›Defenders: be patient when opponent is shielding

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Static stretches. Ask: 'Shielding is about buying time – time for what?' Listen for answers: waiting for support, waiting for space, resetting play.

   • ›Shielding is a team skill – teammates must respond
   • ›Reinforce: bravery in tight spaces

Outcomes

• ✓Players can shield successfully against full-pace defenders
• ✓Players can transition from shield to turn and attack
• ✓Players use the shield to buy time for support
• ✓Players show physical confidence in contact situations

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 20 cones
• 8 pinnies
• 4 small goals

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Free roam 20×20 yd; all players with balls.

   How to run it: Players dribble; coach calls a player's name. That player stops and shields their ball from whichever player is nearest. Play continues until they successfully shield for 5 seconds, then free dribble resumes.

   • ›Instant shield reaction to the call
   • ›Attacking player: controlled pressure – learn the feeling too

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Pairs; 1 ball per pair; 20-yd channel.

   How to run it: Player A has ball; B closes from behind. A must shield as B arrives, hold for 3 seconds, then turn and accelerate 10 yds to a cone. Switch roles every 3 reps. Increase B's closing speed each round.

   • ›Don't panic as the pressure arrives – lower your centre of gravity
   • ›Turn as soon as you feel the pressure release
   • ›Explode after the turn – don't hesitate

3. 3. Technical Practice – Shield-Turn-Score

   15m

   Set up: Player starts back to goal 10 yds out; defender stands between player and goal; mini goal behind defender.

   How to run it: Pass is played to player's feet. Player receives, shields for 2 seconds, turns, and shoots. Defender is semi-active (70% effort). Three rounds each. Ask: 'Which turn felt safest – inside or outside?'

   • ›Inside turn (Cruyff-style): use instep to flick behind standing leg
   • ›Outside turn: drag outside and burst past
   • ›Receive with foot furthest from defender if possible
   • ›Turn low and quick – don't straighten up before turning

4. 4. Skill Game – Back-to-Goal 3v2

   15m

   Set up: 25×20 yd grid; mini goal at each end; 3 attackers vs 2 defenders.

   How to run it: Attackers start back to the target goal. They must receive, shield, and only then can they turn and attack. Defenders immediately close. Encourages shielding as a natural first response. Count goals.

   • ›Forward player: signal for the ball with your body angle
   • ›Shield then scan – where is your support?
   • ›Defenders: pressure the ball, cover the support player

5. 5. Small-Sided Game – 5v5 Free Play

   17m

   Set up: 35×28 yd pitch; goals.

   How to run it: Free 5v5. Coach observes and awards a 'shielding point' (tracked on the sideline) every time a player successfully shields and maintains possession for 3+ seconds. Announce running total each 4 minutes.

   • ›Teams learn to value shielding as possession maintenance
   • ›Reward patience and physicality equally
   • ›Encourage forward players to receive and shield

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle.

   How to run it: Full-body stretches. Ask: 'What did you feel physically when you shielded well?' Link to confidence under pressure. Preview Week 10: outside-of-foot dribbling.

   • ›Physical confidence is built through repetition
   • ›Reinforce: the body is part of the game