How to coach your soccer players to jockey

How to set it up

• To coach your soccer players how to jockey, set up a 10-yard square.
• Working in pairs, players start on opposite sides of the square.
• The attacker attempts to dribble across the area, the defender tries to jockey him, forcing him out of either side of the area.

Getting it right

• Start the soccer practice without any further instruction. Then, look at each player’s technique and coach them as necessary.
• Perhaps the most important element of jockeying is the angle of approach.
• The picture above shows you the correct and incorrect angles of approach.
• Correct the angle of approach as necessary then address the other key elements of jockeying.

  Speed of approach

• Players should slow as they approach the attacker to help maintain balance.
• "Don’t dive in" – there is no need to win the ball straight away.

Body position

Players should have their arms outstretched on either side, guiding the attacker to a safe part of the pitch. Think of a shepherd directing his flock.