Chase and Shield

Objective

• -Improve quick change of direction
• -Develop protection of the ball
• -Build one-on-one speed and balance

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 20 yard box.
2. 2Pairs work together, one attacker and one defender in bibs.
3. 3Each pair has one ball.
4. 4Place a few cones around the edge as escape points.

How to play

1. 1The attacker starts dribbling and the defender starts one step away.
2. 2The attacker tries to reach an escape point before being tackled.
3. 3If the defender wins it, they become the attacker straight away.
4. 4After each short duel, reset to a new cone.
5. 5Keep turns quick so the players get many repeats.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Carrying the ball too close to pressure
• -Turning without a plan
• -Defenders diving in