"Holding Up the Ball" is a phrase used in football that relates to the striker's duties and responsibilities for the team. When the players "hold up the ball", it means they have received the ball and they have to protect the ball from defenders before passing it to the other player. For instance, taken from one of the most memorable matches, Drogba was able to defend the ball whereas Torres is better in shielding the ball from the opponent's defender. Because of their outstanding display of teamwork, they are able to bring their team back to the game.
How Not to Lose the Ball?
The Defenders are usually the most physically aggressive position in the team because they have to prevent their opponents from scoring. When the player successfully shielded the ball from the hands of the defender, then there's more chance for them to win the game. This would also motivate the team to go in attack while the rest of the players are taking the defensive position to protect the holder of the ball.
Procedures of Holding Up the Ball
There are many ways where players can do this technique. The first one is to meet the attacker's midpoint of the field. When the attacker seemed to hold up the ball, then he will try to turn it to other available players. You have to snatch the ball faster before it's received by the wide player. When the wide player receives the ball from the attacker, then the game is considered over.
What Does "Holding Up the Ball" Can Give to the Players?
This is one of the hardest techniques to manage because players have to walk and play under pressure, and may fall to the hands of the toughest defender. However, with the hardship that the players have gone through, it will drive them more to score and eventually, developed confidence in their proceeding matches.
Using Holding Up the Ball in Game-Related Practice
All players must play in a 20 x 30-yard field and should involve a 9 versus 9 game. Each team has to point a score by using this technique in the squared zone. Upon completion of the holding up the ball technique, the receiver has to dribble the ball as he passes it in the box. One of the best advices they have to retain in the real game is to keep their ball on the back foot while using their body to protect the ball. They are also required to apply some physical strength just in case they are faced with an opponent.
