Soccer Shielding = Physical prowess, Balance & Anticipation

Soccer Shielding All players on the pitch will probably find themselves shielding the ball at some points during a match, however, shielding the ball is most important for strikers who need to protect their position in order to receive the ball, and defenders who will often find themselves in the situation of shielding the ball until it goes out of play or into the hands of their goalie.

In order to improve a player's soccer shielding skills, he/she must train on a combination of physical prowess, balance and anticipation. Since we're here, let me tell you that it's extremely important not to shield the soccer ball statically and you must move it sideways or forward, while you look for a passing option.

Physical Prowess – Of the three qualities a player should have in order to shield a soccer ball well, physical prowess is probably the most important. Since shielding requires you to use your body as a wall between your opponent and the ball, the stronger you are and the more stable you will be. Sure, even a skinny guy can shield and receive a ball well enough by given the right technique to do so, but physical prowess is an advantage in many cases. Therefore, a good build will keep the opposing player behind you, and unable to push you away and get the ball.

Balance – Balance is also an important factor for soccer shielding, since your marker will constantly try to throw you off balance using his entire body, or his shoulders, he will try to take you off balance and immediately extend his foot for the ball. Therefore, to have good balance skills and be strong on your feet is very important. A good balance can be obtained simply positioning your feet and body correctly (knees slightly bent, feet forward, etc) but it does help if you have strong leg muscles.

Anticipation – Anticipation is not always essential with soccer shielding, but it definitely is a good skill to have since you'll be able to quickly think like the defender and decide where to move the ball so that you can protect it better. In the other hand, defenders' anticipation also pays off when shielding the soccer ball, because they will be able to block the opponent easier by anticipate which side they're coming from and try to tackle the ball away from you.

Unfortunately, anticipation is a skill that can hardly be trained. The only advice I have for you is to think like your opponent.