How to Shield the Ball: The Secret of the "Butt-Out" Rule

Imagine you are on the field. You just got the ball. Suddenly, a defender runs up behind you. They are breathing down your neck. They are trying to reach around you to kick the ball away.

You feel panicked. You want to kick the ball away just to get rid of it.

Do not do that. Instead, you can shield the ball.

Shielding means putting your body between the defender and the ball. It is like building a wall. When you shield well, the defender cannot get to the ball without fouling you.

Here is how you do it, step-by-step.

1. Get Wide and Low (The "Butt-Out" Rule)

If you stand straight up, you are easy to knock over. To shield well, you must get low to the ground.

First, bend your knees. Next, push your hips and your bum back toward the defender. This does two great things:

• It makes you very strong and hard to push over.
• It physically keeps the defender’s feet far away from the ball.

Think of yourself as a heavy box. A tall, skinny box is easy to tip over. A wide, low box stays put. Be the wide, low box.

2. Use the "Far Foot"

When you have a defender on your back, you must keep the ball as far away from them as possible.

If the defender is pressing you from your left side, which foot should you use to touch the ball? Your right foot.

Always keep the ball on the foot that is furthest away from the defender. Use the sole of your shoe (the bottom of your cleat) to roll and control the ball. This keeps the ball safe. It also lets you move the ball quickly if the defender tries to peek around you.

3. The "Arm Bar" (But No Pushing!)

You are allowed to use your arms to protect yourself, but you have to do it the right way. If you push the defender with your hands, the referee will blow the whistle.

Instead, make an "arm bar." Here is how:

• Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle.
• Keep your arm close to your chest.
• Place your forearm against the defender's chest.

Do not push them away. Just hold your arm strong. This acts like a sensor. It helps you feel which way the defender is trying to run. If you feel them lean to your left, you can quickly turn to your right.

How to Practice at Home

You do not need a soccer field to practice shielding. You just need a ball and one friend or teammate.

1. The Statues Game: Start with the ball at your feet. Have your friend stand right behind you.
2. On "Go": You must shield the ball. Do not dribble away. Just stay in one spot and keep your body between your partner and the ball.
3. The Goal: Have your partner try to touch the ball with their foot. Try to keep them away for 10 seconds.
4. Switch: After 10 seconds, let your friend try.

At first, do this slowly. As you get better, have your friend try harder to get the ball.

The next time you get the ball and feel pressure, do not panic. Get low, stick your bum out, and hold your ground. You are stronger than you think.