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Skill · control

Shielding the ball

Keep your body between the defender and the ball to protect it.

Watch a professional do it — UEFA Training Ground has this skill on video.

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How to do it

  1. 1 Get side-on to the defender.
  2. 2 Ball on the foot furthest from them.
  3. 3 Arm across (not pushing) to feel where they are.
  4. 4 Roll and turn away when they commit.

How to practise it alone

With a partner applying light pressure. Keep the ball for 10 seconds. 'Good' is the defender never getting a clean touch.

Common mistakes

  • Facing the defender square-on.
  • Ball on the wrong foot.
  • Backing in blindly — feel, do not shove.