How to Shield in Soccer
Shielding, or protecting, the soccer ball can give you an advantage over your opponent. Aside from dribbling, shielding the ball is the most important soccer skill you can learn. By using your body as a barrier between your opponent and the ball, you are controlling how you play the ball, whether you pass, shoot or continue dribbling.
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Instructions
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Position your body between the defender and the soccer ball once you maintain possession. The stronger you are, the harder it can be for the opponent to steal the ball from you.
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Control the ball with the outside foot-the foot that is further away from the defender. Again, this can give you more distance between you and the defender.
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Lean on your back foot, placing most of your weight on that foot. This can allow the foot with the ball to use smaller touches, keeping the defender at bay.
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Bend your knees. This can help you maintain a better balance if the defender tries to nudge you out of the way and capture the soccer ball.
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Switch the ball to the opposite foot if the defender comes around from another angle. Remember to keep yourself between the opponent and the ball.
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Keep your head up at all times. This can help you determine if you have a good angle to shoot, pass or dribble the soccer ball.
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Tips & Warnings
Knowing how to shield the ball is most important for central defenders and attackers. But it's still a vital skill most soccer players (excluding goalies, since they can use their hands) should learn to do.
Anticipating the opposition's move is a huge factor in successfully shielding the ball. If you have possession of the ball, being able to read what moves the defender is planning can tell you where to move the ball.
Don't try to shield the ball and remain stationary. Try to move the ball up the field or sideways to look for a better passing option.
