Core Topic 8: Physical Duels

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

Football is full of contact, and players need to feel confident in those moments. Whether it’s a shoulder-to-shoulder, a race for a loose ball, or a scrap in the box, players who can stay on their feet and hold their ground make a huge difference. This topic isn’t just about strength, it’s about using the body well.

I help players lower their centre of gravity because staying grounded and strong with a wide base often beats narrow stance. I teach the legal use of arms to protect space without pushing, and show how to lean without fouling using body weight, not hands. I use contact-based scenarios like 1v1 games where players must win and hold space in real contact but safe environments.

Types of physical duels include 50-50 challenges where both players arrive together, shoulder-to-shoulder duels matching opponent’s pace then leaning in, protecting possession with body between ball and opponent, and aerial duels timing the jump to peak at contact.

Progressive development moves from static protection holding position against passive pressure, to moving duels with shoulder-to-shoulder whilst dribbling, to competitive 50-50s with full commitment, to game chaos with multiple players in confined space. Body positioning fundamentals include wide stance for better balance, low centre of gravity, arms out for legal protection, and side-on positioning for more options.

Common problems include always getting knocked off the ball (start with static shielding), being too aggressive and fouling (emphasise body position over force), avoiding all contact (partner with patient teammate), and being strong but losing balance (work on core stability). Key coaching points include “get low, stay strong” and “lean in, don’t push.”

Stay balanced. Compete with control. Win the challenge.

Why This Topic Matters

Football is full of contact, and players need to feel confident in those moments. Whether it’s a shoulder-to-shoulder, a race for a loose ball, or a scrap in the box, players who can stay on their feet and hold their ground make a huge difference.

This topic isn’t just about strength, it’s about using the body well. It’s about learning to absorb contact, stay balanced, and stay in control.

Players who can win physical duels give their team an edge. And players who can’t often go missing when it matters most.

How We Coach It

We help players lower their centre of gravity

Stay grounded, stay strong. Wide base often beats narrow stance.

Protect space without pushing. Arms create distance, not fouls.

We show how to lean without fouling

Use your body weight, not your hands. Shoulder-to-shoulder is legal.

We use contact-based scenarios

1v1 games where players must win and hold space. Real contact, safe environment.

This isn’t about building power, it’s about building confidence. The aim is to make players feel comfortable in contact, not afraid of it. Some players embrace contact naturally, others need gradual introduction and lots of encouragement.

What Success Looks Like

Think of Didier Drogba. He didn’t just hold defenders off, he dominated space. He used his frame, his timing, and his balance to win the moment.

That’s what we want. Players who don’t just survive contact, they win it.

Types of Physical Duels

50-50 Challenges

Shoulder-to-Shoulder

Protecting Possession

Aerial Duels

Different players excel at different duels. Build on their strengths.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Solution
Always gets knocked off the ball Start with static shielding. Build confidence before adding movement.
Too aggressive, always fouling Emphasise body position over force. “Win space, not fights.”
Avoids all physical contact Partner with patient teammate. Gradual exposure to safe contact.
Strong but can’t keep balance Work on core stability. Strength without balance is useless.

Progressive Physical Development

Stage 1: Static Protection

Hold position against passive pressure. Feel contact without fear.

Stage 2: Moving Duels

Shoulder-to-shoulder while dribbling. Contact in motion.

Stage 3: Competitive 50-50s

Full commitment to win ball. Real consequences.

Stage 4: Game Chaos

Multiple players, confined space. The scrappy moments that decide matches.

Progress based on confidence, not just ability. Forcing contact too early creates fear.

Body Positioning Fundamentals

Base Principles

Contact Points

Recovery

These work for most situations, but players need to adapt to their physical attributes.

Key Coaching Points

Different players respond to different cues. Find what builds their confidence.

Building Physical Confidence

Training Progressions

Psychological Support

Safe Environment

Remember, physical confidence develops at different rates. Never force it.

Age-Appropriate Considerations

7-9 Years

10-12 Years

Adapt based on physical development, not just age. Some 12-year-olds are ready for full contact, others need more time.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model