Replying to @OMONIYI⚽️❤️💫 Constantly giving the ball away when you’re trying to protect it? ⚽️ Protecting the ball isn’t about being stronger than the defender. It’s about positioning your body correctly, feeling the pressure and using it against them. Here are the key details: ⚽ 1. Get your body between the defender and the ball Use your arm as a barrier and your near leg as your blocking leg. Stay side-on and receive with the furthest foot so the ball stays on the safe side. ⚽ 2. Feel the pressure Don’t guess where the defender is going. Feel where the pressure is coming from and move the ball into the opposite space. ⚽ 3. Bait the defender If they don’t commit, tempt them one way with a small touch or body feint. Zidane turns and De Jong turns are great options because you can keep your blocking leg between the defender and the ball. ⚽ 4. Protect while you move Your blocking leg and arm should stay active throughout the movement. Don’t perform a skill that opens the ball up to the defender. ⚽ 5. Practise under pressure Get a teammate to pass into you and try to protect the ball for 5–10 seconds. Move it, feel the pressure and practise escaping in both directions. The key? Arm protects. Leg protects. Feel the pressure. Then bait, shift and explode away. 🔥 #FootballTraining #BallProtection #FootballSkills #FootballCoaching #1v1 - @the_jwl