Shielding gives a player time when an opponent is close and a forward route is blocked. She places her body between the opponent and the ball while keeping it within playing distance. The purpose is to retain options until she can pass, turn or move away. It should never become an exercise in tolerating heavy contact or proving who is strongest.
Find the opponent before choosing the touch
A glance before receiving can reveal where pressure is coming from. If the opponent approaches from the left, an appropriate touch towards the right may help keep the ball farther away. The best solution may also be a quick pass before pressure arrives.
Begin with a partner approaching slowly from a known direction. Let the player get used to recognising the pressure before adding uncertainty. If she cannot locate the opponent, make the approach clearer and give her more time.
Use a balanced position
Turn slightly sideways so the body separates opponent and ball. Keep the knees comfortable and the feet ready to adjust. A wide, rigid stance can make the next movement harder; balance should allow a step, pivot or pass.
Use the foot farther from the opponent when it helps. Keep the ball close enough to play. If a touch sends it several strides away, the body can no longer protect it effectively.
Protect space without committing a foul
Keep arms in a natural position for balance. Do not grab a shirt, lock an arm around an opponent or extend an arm to push her away. Do not step across a player’s path merely to block her when the ball is beyond playing distance.
A coach should explain and supervise any contact. Start with shadowing and no tackles. Stop if either player feels uncomfortable; introduce realistic pressure gradually with suitable partners and clear boundaries.
Move the ball as the picture changes
Shielding is rarely a frozen pose. Small touches can keep the ball on the safer side as the defender moves. If pressure switches sides, the player may need to pivot, change feet or release a pass.
Ask what the defender has left available. A player who protects the ball successfully and then passes backwards has kept the attack alive. Turning towards goal is one option, not a compulsory ending.
A gentle two-gate shielding practice
Make a comfortable playing area with two exit gates. One player starts with the ball, while a partner shadows from behind and to one side without contact. The ball carrier keeps it reachable, then chooses a gate when space appears.
Progress to light, agreed attempts to intercept the ball rather than pushing the player. Add a supporting teammate so a pass can also count as an escape. Keep rounds brief, swap roles and pause to discuss the choices.
When shielding does not help
Near your own goal, holding the ball under pressure can create unnecessary danger. Follow the team’s instructions and use an available safe pass. Likewise, a clear forward route may be better used immediately than delayed by turning back into pressure.
If she loses possession, review the moment before contact. Was the touch too far away? Was support missing? Did she see the opponent? Those questions give her something to change without blaming her size or bravery.
FROM READING TO PLAYING
Something to try
Try shadow shielding with two exits and no tackling. Ask the player to name an available route before she uses it. Add a support pass when she is ready, keeping the emphasis on escaping pressure safely.
Take it into your football
- Keep the ball within reach and away from pressure.
- Use balance and movement rather than pushing or holding.
- Finish with an available pass, turn or carry.
Further reading
Explore related guidance from these primary sources. Practice examples and suggested conversations on this page are STAR’s own guidance.
Explore girls’ football coaching in Taunton, Bridgwater and Wellington.
Compare STAR programmes →Have a question about applying this to her game?
Start a conversation with STAR ↗