BALL PROTECTION DRILLS ( Fending of Opposing Players)

BALL PROTECTION

BALL PROTECTION is a mandatory soccer skillz that all players must have and perfect to add onto their arsenal if they're intending on competing and excelling at soccer higher levels. As you move up to a higher soccer level you'll encounter players just as quick, fast, strong, and have as much or even better soccer skillz/ ball trickery as you do. Add this BALL PROTECTION skillz and a few others along to those that have brought you this far and you'll be just fine. WELCOME TO NEXT LEVEL SOCCER!!!!!!!

When running with the ball through traffic or when your opponents are gaining on you, always keep both arms extended out at waist level. This helps keep your opponent at bay, making it difficult to take the ball away from you. Develop a low gravity reflex when under pressure. Use your arms to fend of defenders/ opposing players. When under pressure and or surrounded by the opponents, you should dribble/ control the ball using the inside of both feet while staying low keeping both arms extended out at waist level. Keep this posture when in traffic, under pressure, or when opposing player/ players are approaching. Stay calm and relax but, ready to flex and fend of opposing players at the very moment contact is made (this is when having a strong upper body and core becomes beneficial). Practice switching the ball to the inside/ outside of both feet (while staying low and arms outstretched at waist level), envisioning yourself holding off the opposing player on one side and keeping the ball on the other. For instance, if the opponent is on your right and attempting to take the ball away, you should apply this drill by switching the ball to your left side while you hold of the player on your right.

Always perform these BALL PROTECTION drills before, during and after every team practice or as much as you can until it becomes reflex or part of your game.