Protect and Turn
Press Resistance
Legend
- player
- movement path
How it works
Use your body to shield the ball from an approaching parent, hold position, protect, then turn.
What you need
- soccer ball
Your focus
Press resistance starts with shielding. Young players who learn to use their body to protect the ball can hold possession under pressure instead of giving it away.
Player receives a gentle pass from parent, 6 yards away.
Parent immediately walks (not sprints) toward the player as a defender.
Player uses their body, arm out for reference, back to defender, to shield the ball.
Hold for 3 seconds, then turn and dribble away.
Do 8 reps. Parent walks a little faster each set.
Goal
You've got it when you hold the shield for 3 full seconds without losing the ball 5 reps in a row.
Helpful cues
- Low center of gravity, bend your knees
- Use your arm for reference, not to push
- Feel where the defender is, don't look back
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Parent just stands still, player practices the shield position without pressure.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Parent tries to reach around and poke the ball, player must protect and turn faster.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.