Receiving Back-to-Goal 1v1 | Shielding Skills in Front of Goal

Overview

• Possession play and skill work in front of goal
• Receiving the ball with your back to a defender
• Using your body to shield and protect the ball
• Quick decisions and clean technique under pressure

Objectives

• Get players comfortable receiving back-to-goal while taking pressure
• Move straight from receiving into a quick turn
• Work into a good shooting position on the move
• Build composure and a calm frame in front of goal

Setup

In this drill, the attacker receives with their back to goal, deals with a defender marking and pressing them, and takes it all the way to a shot.

1）Split 8 players into two groups (4 attackers, 4 defenders)

2）An attacker waits inside the penalty box with their back to goal

3）A coach or another player feeds the ball in

4）As the attacker receives, the defender gets tight and starts marking with body contact

5）The attacker shields with their body, holds off the pressure, and either turns or gets front-on

6）They decide in as few touches as possible and either shoot or clear

7）After each round, swap roles (attack and defense)