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LOGINThe human shield
It’s important that forwards learn to keep hold of the ball under pressure when it is played to them. If they can shield the ball successfully, it will give team mates the opportunity to join the attack. Losing out to the opposition will mean your team will continue to defend.
What this session is about
- Keeping possession of the ball when under pressure.
- Fending off a challenge.
What to think about
- Players must place their body and legs between the ball and defender.
- Body position should be side on with one shoulder pointed at the defender.
- Keep knees bent, with feet about shoulder-width apart and arms out for balance.
- Keep control of the ball using the foot – inside, outside, sole – farthest away from the defender.
- Constantly readjust the body position.
- Constantly readjust the body position.
Set-up
Create a 10 yards by 10 yards playing area. Have two players in each area with a ball.| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
The attacker starts centrally with the ball, while the defender is outside the playing area. When the attacker touches the ball, the defender enters the playing area and tries to steal the ball without fouling. The attacker wins a point if he can keep possession for, say, 10 seconds, while the defender gets a point for winning the ball. Players reverse the roles after five attempts each.Once the central attacker touches the ball, the defender becomes live and looks to steal it.
Development
Extend the playing area to 20 yards by 10 yards, with a 4 yards-wide goal at either end. Add an extra attacker. This player starts at one goal with the defender opposite. The second attacker stands just in front of the defender and begins the drill by moving and calling for the ball from his team mate.Once he receives the ball, he takes three touches before his team mate can join the attack and attempt to score in a 2v1 situation. The defender tries to win the ball and score in the other goal. The players switch roles after five attempts.
To increase difficulty, increase the number of touches the receiving attacker takes before the serving attacker joins in.
Related Files
Core-111-the-human-shield.pdfPDF, 189 KB
The receiving attacker calls for the ball. He has three touches before his partner can help. The defender looks to win the ball and score.
Game situation
Play 4v4 in a 30 yards by 20 yards playing area. Each player has a specified marker. The team in possession tries to keep the ball for one minute. But when an attacking player receives the ball, they must touch it three times before passing. The defending team can intercept passes. But once an attacker has control of the ball, they can only steal it from behind.
The team in possession has close markers and must keep the ball for a set time. Players take three touches before passing.
What to call out
- “Be strong – use your weight, arms, shoulders and legs to keep the defender away!”
- “Keep the ball under close control.”
- “Shift your body position when the defender attacks from a different angle.”
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