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Upper Body Strength Drill 1

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Exercise Objectives:
This is a great drill to emphasize the importance of "using your arms" when protecting the ball.

 
Field Preparation
  3 Players
  Area 10 yards x 10 Yards
    Cones or Flag poles
  1  Ball
 

Coaching Pointers:
Three players are placed in a square 10 x 10 yards. One player on opposite sides and a player in the middle. The drill begins when player (1) passes the ball to player (2). When player (2) touches the ball, player three applies passive pressure on player (2). The objective is for player (2) to shield the ball for 10 seconds, with emphasis on using his upper body. Player (3) is not trying to win the ball, just apply pressure. The players must have upper body contact. After 10 seconds the drill is then repeated from the other side, so player (2) can work is right and left side of the upper body.Rotate players, so each player has the opportunity to be the defending player.

Focus On:
Many players at all levels of ability, neglect the importance of using their arms when protecting the ball. Teach the player to "lock their first" and make their arms hard, like an "iron bar". Their arms should be extended fully to create a greater distance between them and the defender. The arm arms should be rigid, not loose and down by their side.






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