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Ball Control Under PressureDribbling & Beating DefendersDecision MakingFoundationalIntermediateFocused Drill
Partner Shield & Escape
10-15 minutes Partner, Group 1 soccer ball, 6 cones per pair (4 for grid, 2 for gates)
Listen to your Coach
Coach Carter
A short spoken walk-through of this drill.
Goal
Keep the defender away from the ball for the full count and successfully exit through a gate without losing possession.
Setup
Create a 5x5 yard square using 4 cones. Place two additional cones to create 'escape gates' on two adjacent sides of the square.
Drill Instructions
1. Player A starts with the ball inside the grid, while Player B acts as the defender behind them. 2. On 'Go,' Player A must shield the ball for 5 seconds, using their body to block the defender. 3. After 5 seconds, Player A attempts to turn and dribble through either of the two gates. 4. Switch roles every 3 repetitions.
Coach Tip
Keep your knees bent and center of gravity low; use your arm (not a push) to feel where the defender is moving.
Avoid
Standing straight up or keeping the ball under your feet where it can be easily poked away.
Adjust on the fly
Make it easier
The defender provides only 50% pressure and does not attempt to win the ball, focusing only on shadowing the attacker.
Make it harder
Reduce the shield time to 2 seconds to force a quicker turn.
Ready to train?
Add this drill to your Active Drills to start tracking time and progress.
AI Coach feedback
Upload or record a clip of yourself on this drill and your AI coach will spot what's working and what to fix next.
Setup
Create a 5x5 yard square using 4 cones. Place two additional cones to create 'escape gates' on two adjacent sides of the square.
Drill Instructions
1. Player A starts with the ball inside the grid, while Player B acts as the defender behind them. 2. On 'Go,' Player A must shield the ball for 5 seconds, using their body to block the defender. 3. After 5 seconds, Player A attempts to turn and dribble through either of the two gates. 4. Switch roles every 3 repetitions.
Goal
Keep the defender away from the ball for the full count and successfully exit through a gate without losing possession.
Coach Tip
Keep your knees bent and center of gravity low; use your arm (not a push) to feel where the defender is moving.
Avoid
Standing straight up or keeping the ball under your feet where it can be easily poked away.
Adjust on the fly
Make it easier
The defender provides only 50% pressure and does not attempt to win the ball, focusing only on shadowing the attacker.
Make it harder
Reduce the shield time to 2 seconds to force a quicker turn.
Watch the Drill
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Listen to your Coach
Coach Carter
A short spoken walk-through of this drill.
Ready to train?
Add this drill to your Active Drills to start tracking time and progress.
AI Coach feedback
Upload or record a clip of yourself on this drill and your AI coach will spot what's working and what to fix next.