Stop Reacting to Defenders - Make Them React to YOU

Do you panic when a defender is closing in right when you're about to take your first touch? Or do you give the ball away because you're forced to react at the last second? Most players struggle with handling pressure in soccer because they let aggressive defenders dictate where they have to go. In this video, we'll show you how to turn pressure into space by reading defender momentum early, opening your hips before receiving the ball, and using your upper body to leverage the defender into opening up space FOR YOU. Start with this progression drill today so you can stop reacting to defenders and start dictating the play every time you receive the ball! Timestamps: 00:00 - How well do YOU handle pressure from an opposing player? 00:52 - How to read the defender's approach 02:18 - Position yourself to explode away from pressure 04:15 - Taking a positive touch away from head-on pressure 06:35 - How to use your arms to keep the defender from closing in 08:27 - Reading the defender in open space 10:35 - Why facing towards open space keeps you away from danger 12:15 - How to use your front foot to control an off-target pass 13:44 - How to be creative moving off the ball 14:47 - How to dictate where your defender moves - and open up space for yourself 15:29 - Adding even more off-ball creativity In This Video You'll Learn: Open Your Hips Early: Why dropping on a diagonal and opening your hips before the ball arrives lets you explode forward and keeps you from getting jammed up. Reading Pressure Angles: How to identify the best touch based on the approach of the pressure, and how to use that charging defender's momentum against them. Body Shielding & Arm Contact: How to use your arms and body to create a little extra space, and even get the defender moving away from where you're planning to take your touch. Off-Ball Manipulation: When to use decoy runs and body positioning to maximize your advantage - before the pass is even played to you. Watch Next: The defender is right on your back, do you know how to turn away from pressure every time? Check this one out:    • How to Turn With a Defender on Your Back -...   #soccertraining #soccercoaching #powerhousesoccer #SteviParker #soccerdrills