7v7 lesson · Protect the goal together · Beginner

Stay Between the Ball and Goal

Move with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.

What the coach says

Blue has the ball. Your goal is behind you, so protect the route toward it.
Move across with the attacker. Stay balanced instead of rushing past the ball.
Slide left and stay on your feet. The attacker has less room to go straight toward goal.
The attacker carries across the field. Keep looking at the ball as you turn.
The danger has moved. Adjust your position instead of guarding the old space.
Move right with the attacker. You have delayed the attack without diving in.
The goalkeeper shifts toward the ball side while the defender keeps protecting the direct route.

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

Question 1
Where would you move to protect the route to goal?
- Across to the left
- Across to the right
Coach’s explanation: The ball is on your left. Moving that way keeps you between the attacker and goal.
Question 2
Where would you move to protect the route to goal?
- Move across to the right
- Stay to the left
Coach’s explanation: The attacker is on the right now. Moving across keeps the route to goal covered.
Question 3
Which picture shows you between the ball and your goal?
- In line with the ball
- Out on the right side
- Up level with the ball
Coach’s explanation: You stand between the ball and goal, so the straight route is blocked.
Question 4
True or false? You should dive in to win the ball.
- False
- True
Coach’s explanation: It's false. Stay on your feet and slow the attacker down.
Question 5
Now the attacker carries left. Drag the defender to protect the goal.
- Across to the left
- Over to the right
- Up near the ball
Coach’s explanation: Moving left keeps you between the ball and your goal.