Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter. Today’s subject
deals with shielding the ball (this is a reprint of a Soccer Newsletter
approximately 2 years ago but is something that is important enough for young
players to understand that I decided to send it as a FineSoccer Kids Newsletter
as well)
Shielding is a very simple concept but something that is
done very poorly by most of the youth players I see play.
First, lets define what shielding actually entails. It's using your body to
keep the ball away from the opponent. It can be misconstrued as obstruction
however; the difference is that shielding is done within playing difference from
the ball.
One of the keys to being an effective shielder (is that really a term??) is to
position your body properly between the defender and the ball. Too many players
think that standing with their back to the defender and between the ball and the
defender is doing the job properly. However, this is not an effective way to
shield. It is too easy for the defender to poke the ball away from the player
from this post ion either by sticking their leg between the shielders leg or by
poking around the shielder. Instead of this position, the player should assume a
side on position. This means that instead of having the back to the defender,
the shielder should have their width of the body between the defender and the
ball. This means the shielders shoulder should be up against the defender and
the only way for the defender to get to the ball, she must go through the
shielders entire width of her body to get to the ball. This will make it much
more difficult for the defender to get to the ball.
Once she has positioned herself properly by being side on to the defender, she
must now start to use her arms properly to shield. The arm closest to the
defender should be slightly bent and used to ward off the defender (note I am
not saying to push the defender away with an outstretched arm as that would be
against the rules and easily seen). By using this arm properly, the shielder can
build even more space between the defender and the ball.
Next it is important to maintain a low base while shielding. This means getting
a nice bend from the knees and a slight bend from the waist. By doing this, the
shielder accomplishes two things. First, she makes herself even wider which puts
even more space between the defender and the ball. Second, it lowers her center
of gravity, which will make her harder to get knocked off of the ball.
Having assumed the proper position, started to use the arms properly and taken a
low stance, you are now ready to start shielding properly. One of the mistakes
made by players while shielding is to allow the ball to get between the legs,
which make the ball vulnerable to a poke tackle. Keep possession of the ball
with the outside of the foot furthest from the defender and be prepared to cut
the ball in either direction. From here, shielding becomes a matter of footwork
and desire. Keep your feet moving and make the decision to not lose
possession of the ball.
To practice shielding, have ten second battles for the ball where the person who
has the ball at the end of a ten second battle gets a point. Play 20 times and
the players will have a better understanding of the physical side of soccer as
well as the conditioning and amount of contact that takes place in a game of
soccer.
