Difficulty of the skill: Red - a difficult core skill for ages 7-9 years and upwards. As players progress and develop the difficulty of the skill should reduce.
What does it mean?
Closing down and dictating to the ball carrier where they can and cannot move with the ball. The defending player looks to channel the ball carrier in order to make them either push the ball off the pitch; create a tackling opportunity ;or to provide another teammate with an opportunity to make a tackle.
Example of the skill
Channelling enables the defender to have maximum control of the situation. If in the middle of the pitch the defending player would look to channel the player towards their (defending players) right hand (open stick side) or alternatively to either a teammates stick or towards the sideline.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Video analysis is no longer a luxury reserved for international squads. With a phone, a tripod and a free editing tool, any club coach can build a weekly review habit that transforms how their team learns.
With mandatory masks now in place, the defensive corner has changed. Outrunners are committing harder, postmen are positioning differently, and the goalkeeper has new sightlines. Here's how to rebuild your PC defence for 2026.
The Pro League's most dangerous teams now win the ball back within five seconds of losing it. Here's how to teach counter-pressing at any level, with triggers, drills and a session plan.