Week 21

Outcomes

• ✓Players can position their body between the ball and the defender.
• ✓Players can hold the ball using a low, wide stance.
• ✓Players can turn away from pressure while keeping possession.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 6 pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with balls. Two or three players wearing pinnies as gentle chasers.

   How to run it: Players arrive and dribble. The chasers (wearing pinnies) try to touch players on the shoulder. Dribbling players try not to be touched — they discover shielding naturally.

   • ›Watch natural shielding — some kids do it instinctively.
   • ›Don't explain yet — let them problem-solve.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: Protect the Treasure

   8m

   Set up: Mark a small 4x4 yard box (the Treasure Chest). Place a ball inside. Split into Guards (2) and Seekers (3).

   How to run it: Guards must protect the ball box — use their bodies to block Seekers from touching the ball. Seekers try to touch the ball. Swap roles every 60 seconds. After two rounds, every player guards their own ball.

   • ›Body wide and low — small base = easy to push.
   • ›Keep the ball on the far side from the Seeker.
   • ›Arms out (not grabbing) — use body width.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: Shadow Shield

   12m

   Set up: Pairs. One ball per pair. Pair stands together in the grid.

   How to run it: One player shields the ball; the other is a passive shadow — they move around trying to see the ball but cannot touch it. Shield player turns to keep body between shadow and ball. After 30 seconds, swap. Progress to active light pressure.

   • ›Low centre of gravity — bend your knees!
   • ›Use both feet to roll the ball away from pressure.
   • ›Look over your shoulder to track the shadow's position.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 3v3 Shield and Score

   15m

   Set up: Two 3v3 games. Standard goals.

   How to run it: Play 3v3. Players earn a bonus point if they shield the ball for a count of 3 seconds before scoring (coach counts aloud). Defenders must apply pressure — no sleeping!

   • ›Shielding creates space — after the shield, turn and go!
   • ›Defenders: apply shoulder pressure, not snatching.
   • ›Attackers: use the shield to buy time for a teammate to arrive.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: Everyone puts their ball behind their back and sits wide and low — that's the shield position shape! Hold for 5 seconds, then stand and high-five both neighbours.

   • ›Embed the body shape — wide, low, ball behind.
   • ›Use the word 'shield' consistently.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can shield the ball while moving.
• ✓Players can link shielding with a turn to find a teammate.
• ✓Players can maintain possession under active pressure.

Equipment

• 1 ball per player
• 8 cones
• 4 pinnies

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Free Play

   5m

   Set up: Grid with one ball each.

   How to run it: Players arrive and immediately challenge their nearest neighbour to a 5-second shield duel — who can protect their ball longest?

   • ›Friendly pressure — no snatching, shoulder-to-shoulder.
   • ›Celebrate both the shielder and the chaser.

2. 2. Warm-Up Game: King of the Ring

   8m

   Set up: Shrink the grid to 12x12 yards. All players in with a ball.

   How to run it: Everyone dribbles in the small space — unavoidable contact. If your ball is kicked out, retrieve it and re-enter immediately. Last player to keep their ball in for the longest time is the King/Queen.

   • ›Shield your ball — small space means lots of bodies.
   • ›Use sole rolls to keep ball close.
   • ›Everyone re-enters instantly — no sitting out.

3. 3. Skill Theme Game: 2v1 Shield Battle

   12m

   Set up: Groups of 3. One 8x8 yard box per group.

   How to run it: Two players have a ball each and one player tries to win both balls. The two ball-carriers shield and dribble away from the one defender. If a ball leaves the box, it's won. Swap the defender every 45 seconds.

   • ›Ball-carriers: help each other — shield toward your partner.
   • ›Defender: pick one ball at a time, commit.
   • ›Create a 2v1 advantage by shielding together.

4. 4. Small-Sided Games: 4v4 Possession Shield

   15m

   Set up: One 4v4 game. No goals — award a point for 4 consecutive shielded touches (each player shields for one touch, then passes).

   How to run it: Play 4v4. Each player on the team must shield the ball once in a sequence of 4 — count loudly as a team: 1, 2, 3, 4! If defended team wins the ball, start their sequence. Most sequences wins.

   • ›Spread out — give the shield player space.
   • ›Don't rush the pass — hold the shield, then release.
   • ›This rewards patience and body position.

5. 5. Cool-Down & High-Fives

   5m

   Set up: Seated circle.

   How to run it: All stand in shield position (wide, low, ball at feet). Hold 5 seconds. Say 'I AM A SHIELD WARRIOR!' together. High-fives all round.

   • ›Identity formation — they ARE skilled players.
   • ›Transition with celebration.