Skills / Keeping the ball

Shielding the ball

Put your body between the ball and the defender, so they can't reach it.

Defender L R 20 cm
  • Foot on the ball
  • Ball's path

From about age 8

When to use it

When you're under pressure and need to keep the ball for a moment: waiting for support, or near the touchline.

Get it right

  • Turn side-on to the defender, so your body is a wall between them and the ball.
  • Keep the ball on your far foot, the one furthest from them.
  • Bend your knees, stay strong and keep your arm out for balance. Don't push or hold.
  • Use the sole to move the ball away as they try to come round.
  • Keep looking for a pass or a chance to turn.

Watch out for

  • Facing the defender, so they can poke the ball away.
  • Keeping the ball on the near foot.
  • Using your arm to push them, which is a foul.

Drawn for the right foot. Learn it on your weaker foot too: it doubles the number of ways you can go.

In a match

Practising a skill is half of it. Here is when it turns up in a game, and what to look for.

Where
Up front with your back to goal, and near the touchline.
The moment
A defender is right behind you and support is a second or two away.
Match mistake
Standing upright and still. Get low, arm out, and keep the ball on your far foot.

Try it in your next match. Hold the ball up for two seconds until a teammate arrives, then lay it off.

Match moments where it counts: Make a chance from the wing · Five minutes left, one up

Practise it

Drills where you will use this skill again and again.