Clear the ball soccer tips
Good soccer skills win matches, it's true. But clearing balls out of dangerous situations is a skill in itself. It may not look pretty but it is a very effective defensive skill to use.
Tell your defenders when to use the big clearance and let them decide during games if it is appropriate. Sometimes it is easier to play it out from the back.
Key soccer coaching tip
Technique is simple for this defensive skill. Keep your eye on the ball, head over the ball, lean back, kick through the ball high and away.
Why use this skill?
A smart defender may clear the ball not only to stop an enemy attack, but also to buy time and calm a game down. It is usually better to clear the ball out of bounds to take the sting out of an attack.
Tactical tips
When clearing the ball, tell your young soccer (football) players to try and clear it to an area near their own forwards, which could spark a counter-attack. This is especially true for U4s to U9s on a 7-a-side pitch.
Click here for more soccer coaching tips on clearing the ball.
For more easy-to-coach, fun soccer defence drills, click here to order Perfect Defending by Michael Beale, Chelsea FC academy coach.
Soccer coaching tips
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